The current Fiesta ST is the last iteration of the breed that Ford will offer in the US as it shifts away from passenger cars to place an increased emphasis on trucks. But before the current hatchback sails off from these shores, the Blue Oval automaker will reportedly offer a decontented sport version.
Called the Fiesta ST Line, it adopts many of the stylistic elements from the Fiesta ST hot hatch, but without most of the mechanical upgrades that we’ve come to expect along with them.
It’s a trim level that European customers are already acquainted with – not only for the Fiesta, but also the Focus, Kuga, and Mondeo. Now CarsDirect reports that it’s coming to the US for the 2019 model year.
Powering the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST Line is a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four that – in European spec – offers 120 horsepower (88 kW) and 112 lb-ft (152 Nm) of torque. This compared to the 197 hp (150 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) in the turbocharged Fiesta ST. It comes mated to a five-speed manual (instead of the six), with the option of a six-speed automatic.
Other ST equipment like the upgraded suspension, interior treatment, and rolling stock don’t transition to the sport-look ST Line. But then it won’t be as expensive, either: CarsDirect reports that the Fiesta ST Line will carry an MSRP of $17,625, plus an $875 destination charge to bring the actual cost up to $18,500. That’s $3,715 less than the Fiesta ST, which will start $55 higher for 2019 (at $22,215) than it did for the 2018 model year.