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Motrolix

Geneva 2012: Ford Unveils Awesome Production-Spec Fiesta ST

Ford has pulled the wraps off the 2013 Fiesta ST at the Geneva Motor Show. The aggressively-designed and sport-oriented subcompact-hot-hatch cradles a 1.6 liter turbo-charged EcoBoost motor making 177 horsepower (180 PS) and 177 lb.-ft. of torque (250Nm), propelling the sporty pocket rocket to 60 MPH (100 kmH?) in under seven seconds. The motor allows the ST to achieve a top speed of 136 MPH (220 km/h). And while flying through the twisties, you’ll be glad to know that the four-pot EcoBoost engine results in a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions when compared with the last-generation Fiesta ST.

But the Fiesta ST story doesn’t end with the engine, as Ford’s Team RS made significant improvements to the car’s ride and handling. For starters, the Fiesta ST is dropped by 15mm compared to the standard Fiesta. It then added an improved Torque Vectoring Control system and three Electronic Stability Control modes for even better cornering.

Inside, the Fiesta’s high-contrast interior features standard Recaro sports seats (yes, standard) as well as the latest technology goodness from The Blue Oval, including MyKey and SYNC. We’re particularly fond of Ford’s description of the use-case for MyKey, which “allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle.” Nice.

All in all, the Fiesta ST was tested for over 3,000 miles (5,000 km) on the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany and will launch in Europe in the beginning of 2013. Ford “remains open to the idea of introducing the high-performance small car to other regions, including North America for the first time” thanks to very positive feedback to the five-door Fiesta ST concept shown in Los Angeles in 2011.

The Motrolix Take

If you aren’t absolutely in love with the new Fiesta ST, we’d recommend getting a checkup of some kind… as there must something wrong with you. Just kidding. But really — how could you not love this thing?

Motrolix Founder with a passion for global automotive business strategy.

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