Ford Fiesta ST200 unveiled with 200 hp

Red painted brake calipers are also unique to the auto.

It is presented as the “most powerful production Fiesta ever”, the model has under the hood a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that has been massaged to deliver 200 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque.

However, the regular version of this generation Fiesta ST was acclaimed by reviewers for excellent overall performance when compared to more powerful cars, so this new version will bring a challenge to the table when it comes to this segment.

The result – in addition to what promises to be a more rewarding drive – is a 0-62mph sprint cut by 0.2s to 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.

As well as the added power and torque, the ST200 includes a shorter 4.06 final drive ratio instead of the regular 3.82 of the standard Fiesta ST, plus enhanced torque vectoring control, and a specially modified steering knuckle.

While Ford Australia recently announced the availability of Mountune performance upgrades capable of pushing the Fiesta to 162kW and 320Nm, the ST200 goes even further.

Inside, there are a few style changes including different trim on the Recaro sports seats (charcoal in colour), as well as silver detailing on the seatbelts and illuminated door sill scuff plates.

The ST200 will act as a swansong for this generation of Fiesta. The steering arm has been shortened and the steering ratio is quicker, while the brakes have also been beefed up at the rear. The company did not fully explain this decision, but we expect it to have something to do with the power level of the ST200, that would have been insufficient for it to be called RS.

The Fiesta ST200 will start to be built in June this year, with deliveries later in the summer.