Centrepiece of Ford’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show is the Fiesta ST200, a more potent version of the current ST.
The supermini’s 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine is given a 10 per cent power boost, along with a 20 per cent increase in torque, taking the peak figures to 197bhp (200PS) and 214lbft and cutting the car’s 0-62mph sprint time by two tenths of a second to 6.7 seconds.
Ford adds that a shortening of the final drive ratio from 3.82 to 4.06 improves in-gear acceleration making the car more fun to drive. Top speed, meanwhile goes up from 139 to 143mph.
With the power increase come several other modifications, including enhancements to the car’s Torque Vectoring Control and three-mode Electronic Stability Control systems.
Suspension changes include modifications to the front knuckle of the steering geometry for better response from the steering which itself has a sharper ratio and shortened arm.
Increased roll stiffness is added to the car’s rear twist beam, along with bespoke spring and damper rates that lower the centre of gravity by 15mm, and the brakes upgraded with larger rear discs and master cylinder.
The car gains bespoke styling too, a Storm Grey exterior, machined matt black alloy wheels, red painted brake calipers and an enhanced interior with partial leather Charcoal Recaro front seats and contrasting silver stitching, and illuminated scuff plates and seatbelts with silver detailing.
First deliveries of the ST200 are expected in summer 2016 at prices still to be announced and in limited numbers.
Ford’s Geneva stand also highlights expansion of the brand’s upmarket Vignale line-up. Currently only applied to the Mondeo four-door, the programme is being extended to the Edge SUV and S-MAX MPV alter this year, and the five-door Mondeo in 2017.
Future plans for the expansion of Vignale are likely to include the Kuga SUV, a concept version shown at Geneva (pictured).
