GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ford unveils 2017 Fiesta ST

Ford has released pictures of its new third-generation Fiesta ST ahead of its launch at next month's Geneva motor show.

Available as either a three- or five-door hatch, the biggest change over the outgoing Renaultsport Clio-rival is the new ST drops its old 134kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo for a downsized 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol.

Despite the reduction in cylinder count and swept capacity, the new Fiesta ST produces 147kW.

A six-speed manual transmission will be standard.

This, plus an expected boost in torque sees the latest Fiesta ST sprint to 100km/h, from rest, in just 6.7 seconds – 0.2sec quicker than the old car.

As well as being quicker the small supermini also gets new tech and introduces three new drive modes (Normal, Sport, Track) that tailor the engine mapping, steering weight and stability control to the mode you're in.

Like Volkswagen's small four-cylinder TSI engines, the small ST’s lump features cylinder deactivation technology - something the Blue Oval claims is a world first for a three-cylinder engine.

When cruising, the engine's on-board computer is able to shut down one cylinder for better efficiency.

Claimed to "deliver the most versatile, fun, engaging and rewarding Fiesta ST driving experience yet", the latest small performance Ford flagship is also set to be significantly more efficient and less polluting.

To help improve handling, the fast, little Fiesta rides on larger 18-inch alloys and comes with torque vectoring that brakes an inside wheel when cornering to reduce understeer and boost traction.

Inside, Recaro sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and numerous ST badging and detailing lift the standard Fiesta's cabin.

Like the rest of the seventh-generation Fiesta range, the ST also benefits from the US car maker's latest SYNC3 8.0-inch infotainment system.

The performance flagship of the Fiesta range will come with new safety equipment like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.

Expected to arrive Down Under early next year, pricing is yet to be announced for the Australian market but a small price increase is expected.

Watch the video below to see the Fiesta ST involved in a chase sequence through the Cologne factory that builds it. If you Listen closely you can also hear its cheeky new three-cylinder soundtrack.