Cars

Trick suspension for Ford's hot hatch Fiesta ST

Ford Fiesta ST Edition
Ford Fiesta ST Edition Ford Fiesta ST Edition

FORD has toughened up its little Fiesta ST hot hatch by sending it to the gym for a workout that includes new wheels and, most intriguingly of all, adjustable suspension, writes William Scholes.

Called the ST Edition, this hardcore Fiesta is three-door only and comes painted in a striking 'Azura Blue' shade which is unique to the model. There's also some gloss black detailing to set it apart from lesser STs, as well as blue stitching to the seats and a new steering wheel.

But the suspension is what sets the car apart. It's an adjustable coilover set-up that allows anyone with the inclination to tweak the cornering, ride height and general handling characteristics to their heart's desire.

The suspension uses twin-tube stainless steel damper housing and springs finished in a tasty shade of 'Ford Performance blue'.

Ford Fiesta ST Edition
Ford Fiesta ST Edition Ford Fiesta ST Edition

There are 12 'bump' settings - that's how much the damper allows the wheel to move upwards - and 16 rebound settings, which dictate how quickly the wheel returns to its flat position after it has been bumped upwards.

The wheels are 18-inch 'flow-formed' alloys, which are stronger and lighter than a comparative cast alloy wheel.

The ST Edition gets the Quaife limited-slip differential as standard - it's an option on lesser ST models - and the car's 'sport' mode can be activated by a button on the steering wheel.

The engine is the same potent 197bhp, 214lb ft 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit as used in other ST variations.

Ford says it is building just 500 ST Editions for Europe, with 300 reserved for the UK market - if you want one, you ought to move fast... It costs £27,075.

Ford Fiesta ST Edition
Ford Fiesta ST Edition Ford Fiesta ST Edition