The future of compact hot-hatches sounds already exciting as Ford shed some light on the next generation of their Fiesta ST.
The performance version of the all-new supermini is reportedly going to use an updated version of the company’s turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine instead of the current model’s 1.6-litre turbo unit.
Speaking to Auto Express, Ford Europe’s head of small cars Darren Palmer said: “We’re seeing more and more of what we can do with the 1.0-litre engine in development and the signs are promising. It’s a great engine – it sounds brilliant and there’s loads of torque when the turbo comes on boost, so we’re looking into things for the next ST.”
The most powerful version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine today is producing 138hp, but Ford has been experimenting with it for some time now, even showcasing a 202hp version powering a Formula Ford racer.
“There’s still a huge demand for the ST – we’ve seen that with the current ST200. But we want to offer more, so expect more performance and efficiency”, Palmer said. Using the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine sounds like the next logical step for Ford, having already announced that they will halve the production of their four-cylinder engine plant in Bridgend, UK.
The next Ford Fiesta is a crucial model for the company, with the development team also focusing heavily on the chassis tuning. The team is “obsessed over the car’s steering. They’ve fine-tuned the calibration to make sure it drives exactly how a Fiesta should”, Palmer said.
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