Flagship Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition unveiled
Ford UK shows off Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition that gets plenty of go-faster parts and retina-searing paint, but no more powerFord UK has announced it will introduce a flagship Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition version of its third-generation small hot hatch.
Available only in a unique Deep Orange hue, the new Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition sports a set of ultra-lightweight alloy wheels, all-round adjustable coilover suspension and a Quaife-sourced limited-slip differential.
Based on the range-topping Fiesta ST-3, Ford UK hasn't been tempted to dial up the power of the standard car, that means the Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition produces the same 147kW and 290Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol.
As a result, the Performance Edition ST takes the same 6.5 seconds to crack 100km/h – but that's not the point, says Ford UK.
It's on track or along a challenging piece of country road the flagship Fiesta will purportedly justify its extra cost over a standard Fiesta ST.
That's because its new 18-inch wheels shave 7kg off the kerbweight, while the Fiesta ST Performance Edition's new chassis is claimed to bring significant gains in the handling department.
Sitting 15mm lower at the front and 10mm lower at the rear, the new suspension was said to have been developed at the Nurburgring and offers owners the option to tailor their car for track work, with 12 bump stiffness settings and a further 16 rebound intensity adjustments.
Inside, the Fiesta ST Performance Edition gets a free upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen sound system, while LED headlamps, launch control and shift indicators are all standard.
Ford UK says it will make just 600 cars with all reserved for British buyers.
Pricing has yet to be announced but it's rumoured the Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition will command a premium of around $5500.
It's not known if Ford Australia has any plans to import the flagship Performance Edition Down Under but, even if it doesn't, it's thought the special adjustable coilover suspension and ultra-lightweight alloys could be offered as a Ford Performance dealer-fit accessory.
In the meantime, the regular Fiesta ST's arrival in Australia has been delayed to late 2019 after originally being slated for mid-year.
Recently, Ford-backed British tuner Mountune announced it was offering its own $1200 performance upgrade that raises power to 165kW and 340Nm.
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