Extra pulling power, top-spec headlights, new sports seats and more for MY22 Fiesta ST hot hatch
Ford Australia has released pricing and specification details for the updated 2022 Ford Fiesta ST, which features more engine torque, improved headlight performance, new infotainment tech and a raft of other detail changes.
Available in showrooms from the first quarter of 2022, the updated Fiesta ST is $800 dearer than before, priced at $33,490 plus on-road costs.
The solitary Fiesta grade offered in Australia is headlined by a 30Nm increase in torque from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine – with total outputs now listed at 147kW (unchanged) and 320Nm.
In addition, the maximum torque figure materialises lower in the rev range – between 1600-4000rpm.
Ford isn’t saying yet whether the additional pulling power will correlate with quicker 0-100km/h acceleration; the current Fiesta ST reaches triple figures in a claimed 6.5 seconds.
As before, the baby hot hatch shuffles drive to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Quaife mechanical limited-slip front differential.
Launch control and 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport rubber are also standard.
Ford has justified the pricing increase with the fitment of a redesigned front bumper with a larger grille and new front splitter, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Matrix LED headlights.
The Fiesta ST’s new headlights can detect oncoming traffic via a front-mounted camera and create an LED beam pattern that blocks the high beam rays from other road users.
The Fiesta is also claimed to be more tech-savvy than before with the fitment of the Blue Oval’s latest FordPass Connect software, plus a wireless charging pad.
The five-door Fiesta’s cabin is replete with Ford Performance front bucket seats with 12-way adjustment including four-way lumbar support. The seats were developed in-house, and replace the Recaro seats fitted to the current Fiesta ST.
In line with the latest Australian Design Rule (ADR) regulations, a rear occupant alert is also now fitted for the first time.
Seven colours are available for 2022 including two new hues, Boundless Blue and Mean Green, which join Frozen White, Race Red, Magnetic Grey, Moondust Silver and Agate Black.
Buyers can also option a new contrasting black roof and mirror cap option for an additional $500.
Ford Australia claims the updated hot hatch is “the most responsive, engaging and fun-to-drive Fiesta ST ever”.
“Fiesta ST provides versatility from the school run to the racetrack, and aims to give a driving experience like no other,” the company said.
In Australia the Fiesta ST faces stiff competition from the new Hyundai i20 N, which launched in showrooms last month offering a competitive starting price and a rorty 1.6-litre engine.
As ever, Volkswagen’s Polo GTI continues to win over its share of buyers, too.
Keyword: Ford Fiesta ST upgraded