Don’t Expect To See A Next-Gen Fiesta ST Until 2018

Last week in Cologne, Germany, Ford revealed the next-gen Fiesta, which offers a wide range of configurations, including the Vignale, ST-Line, Titanium and Active crossover. Ranging from sporty to classy to practical, this Fiesta lineup had one noticeable absence—the Fiesta ST.

Well, the intrepid crew at the Dutch auto site, Auto RAI was able to pin down Tyrone Johnson, the Vehicle Engineering Manager for Ford Performance, to get a read on when we might expect to see a new version of the highly regarded hot hatch.

“We’ll be back in a Ford Fiesta ST,” Tyrone told the site. “The production will start in January 2018, but the disclosure will all end in 2017 instead…”

He also suggested the availability of three- and five-door variants, but added that we shouldn’t assume an increase in engine performance from a new ST.

“The Fiesta ST200 need not be a new benchmark in terms of power. To have more fun you do not always have to mean more power,” he added. “The current Fiesta ST was not the most powerful in its segment, but it is certainly one of the best riding in its segment, which we aim to do the same now. We want to develop the best fun car, that’s the objective. The fun factor is even higher than before.”

Of course, it remains to be seen which of these models will translate to the US market, but we can only hope a new Fiesta ST will be more fun than the current version.