EVER since the Fiesta XR2 of 1981, affordable performance and sheer driving pleasure have been major characteristics of Ford's small car range. Now the Fiesta ST brings those virtues to a new generation of drivers. Fiesta ST is aimed right at the heart of the popular 'junior hot hatch' class and Ford's engineers are confident it will take the class by storm. "Our goal was to make the Fiesta ST the best all-rounder in the class," explains Project Leader, Nick Collins, "but we believe we have created a car whose dynamics will be the best of the lot. Its ride handling balance is fantastic, and the grip is phenomenal".

Fiesta ST is also the first road car to come from Ford's new TeamRS organisation. The Team was formed early in 2003 when the Company's competition and performance road car engineers were pulled together for the first time to create performance road cars and new competition models.

ST stands for 'Sports Technologies', and the new Fiesta ST is the first of Ford's Sports Technologies models to feature new style ST branding. Its new 'ST' badge uses a central red stripe design inspired by Ford's classic RS 'racing stripes' logo and will be adopted by all new Ford ST models introduced from now on. "The new style ST is more than just a badge, it is a whole new performance and design concept devised by TeamRS as an ongoing part of its road car programme," explains Jost Capito, TeamRS Director.

"ST should be synonymous with affordable, dependable performance and an ST model should reflect the character of the car from which it is derived," says Jost Capito. "The original Fiesta XR2 created a feeling of driving fun and youthful spirit that has been part of the Fiesta's DNA ever since. The new Fiesta ST encapsulates that attitude once again. It aims to bring out the enthusiast in every driver while being enjoyable to live with as an everyday car."

Fiesta ST is powered by a specially modified version of Ford's 2.0 litre Duratec 16-valve engine, delivering 150PS and a wide spread of torque for flexibility and pulling power. The Fiesta ST gets from 0 to 60mph in just 7.9 sec with a maximum speed of 129 mph. Fiesta's acclaimed chassis has been modified to deliver class-leading handling and roadholding for the ST. Steering is quicker acting and the brakes have improved in performance, with rear disc brakes fitted for the first time on Fiesta.

Transmission ratios in the five-speed manual gearbox have been revised and there is a new, short-throw gearshift for ultra-fast, precise gear changes. Fiesta ST looks the part, too. A wider and deeper front grille, new bumper mouldings, discrete side skirts and a functional rear spoiler complement its low stance, and handsome multi-spoke alloy wheels with low profile, specially tuned Pirelli P Zero tyres to create a bold, performance look.

At the heart of the new Fiesta ST is the 1999cc Ford Duratec engine, first seen in the Mondeo and also a cornerstone of the new Focus range. The 2.0 litre Duratec engine characteristics are ideally suited to the performance Fiesta as it combines free-revving performance and impressive low-end torque for excellent all-round driveability. These characteristics also mean that the Fiesta ST's Duratec 2.0 litre engine can be used in a relatively standard state of tune, adhering to the Sports Technologies principles of enjoyable performance achieved without sacrificing everyday driving capability or dependability.

In the Fiesta ST the engine develops 150PS at 6,000 rpm, compared with the 145PS at 6,000 rpm when installed in the new Focus. The increased output is the result of an all-new, low-loss intake system and a new sports exhaust system that has been developed specifically for the Fiesta ST. Maximum torque of 190Nm is increased from 185Nm and the torque delivery is exceptionally wide spread with 90 per cent of peak torque available from as low as 1,350 rpm, and more than 90 per cent all the way from 2,200 to 6,150 rpm.

The Duratec's sophisticated variable intake system (VIS) is the secret to its impressive spread of torque. This system uses gas dynamic effects in the engine's intake system to tune its performance through variable intake runner lengths. This technology improves the gas-dynamics inside the intake system. The aluminium alloy cylinder head has an asymmetrical four-valves-per-cylinder layout with twin overhead camshafts driven by a silent chain drive.

In addition to the new exhaust system, considerable detail engineering work has been done by TeamRS to install the larger power unit into Fiesta ST's engine compartment. The engine, which is inclined backwards at six degrees, mates to the Durashift transmission via a new clutch housing. Its belt driven auxiliaries have been re-positioned with a rear mounted alternator and front mounted air conditioning pump. A low inertia flywheel has also been fitted to provide faster throttle response. The Fiesta ST exhaust system incorporates a revised catalyst for reduced back pressure and a great deal of detail tuning work has been done to give the engine that suitably sporty note.