Ford updates Fiesta ST for 2022 with a facelift, new tech, and a boost of torque.
The Ford Fiesta has long been an enthusiast favourite in Australia, but this hugely popular hot hatch – now in its seventh generation – has a new rival in the Hyundai i20 N. Sound timing then, for an important mid-life update.
In a bid to claw back some ground, Ford has unveiled this: the new, facelifted Fiesta, and it’s armed with revised styling, interior updates, additional tech and 30Nm extra torque. Prices are yet to be announced by Ford Australia but first deliveries are confirmed for early next year.
The design of the updated Fiesta previews Ford’s new family face, which will feature on all of the brand’s upcoming models. The grille is larger and more angular than before, and Ford’s blue oval badge is now housed within it, rather than above it. The bonnet has also been resculpted, and the nose of the car raised, with new LED headlights giving a meaner look. It come with matte grey accents and a Ford Performance front splitter. Deeper side skirts, a rear boot spoiler and a body-coloured diffuser complete the ST makeover, along with Magnetite grey wheels and a new paint colour: Mean Green.
The flanks of the Fiesta remain untouched, although there are new 18-inch wheels. At the rear, the taillights have been darkened, and there’s a new contrasting matte and gloss black diffuser finish.
The new Fiesta retains the same cabin architecture as before, but with new infotainment and safety technology. The most important addition is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which can be configured by the driver and features changeable graphics that correspond to the car’s drive mode.
The new ST also ditches the Recaro seats fitted to its predecessor, instead opting for Ford-designed Performance bucket seats with integrated headrests. The new seats are 14-way adjustable, and are trimmed in Sensico synthetic leather with red stitching. A flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon fibre-effect trim complete the sporty ambience.
Also among the updates is a ‘Wrong Way Alert’, which uses a camera mounted to the windscreen in conjunction with the car’s navigation system to warn the driver if they are travelling against oncoming traffic. This has not been confirmed for Australia yet. Matrix LED headlights are now also standard on Fiesta ST, which block individual light rays to avoid blinding oncoming cars when the high-beam is enabled. The headlights also adapt to specific driving scenarios – the beam pattern automatically adjusts to provide clearer vision during bad weather and low-speed manoeuvres, for example.
Also new to the car is a system called ‘Rear Occupant Alert’, which helps the driver avoid leaving pets or children in the back seat. This feature is included as part of the Fiesta’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which goes unchanged. It uses the same 8-inch touchscreen as before, and features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 180 degree rear view camera. Further options include a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 575-watt B&O stereo.
The Fiesta ST uses the same 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the previous car, developing 147kW, but peak torque has risen from 290Nm to 320Nm for the facelift, although the 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds is unchanged. A Quaife limited-slip differential helps deliver that power to the road, and as before, the ST features a Track mode.
“Fiesta ST is a small car with real personality. It’s the car for people who love to drive, and who enjoy a hot hatch with expressive styling,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford of Australia. “Our latest Fiesta ST takes this to another level, and adds even more of the technology that we know our Australian customers love.”
The new 2022 Ford Fiesta ST will be available from Q1 2022.
Alex Rae