cars news 10: Ford Fiesta ST200 Hotter Hatch Shown in Geneva (W/Video)

Although our dreams of an RS variant of the Ford Fiesta were crushed earlier this year, the Blue Oval revealed a more powerful version of its subcompact hatchback at the 2016 Geneva auto show. The new Ford Fiesta ST200 sports a revised engine and transaxle tuning for more performance.

While the Fiesta ST200’s turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 makes the same 197 hp as the standard U.S.-market Fiesta ST, torque has increased from 202 lb-ft to 214 lb-ft. Additionally, a new overboost function increases power to 212 hp and 236 lb-ft for 15 seconds. In Europe, the Fiesta ST is rated 180 hp and 177 lb-ft.

Other drivetrain changes include a new 4.06 final drive ratio in place of the standard Fiesta ST’s 3.82 ratio for quicker acceleration. Ford claims the new Fiesta ST200 sprints from naught to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds for the standard Fiesta ST. In our testing, a U.S.-spec 197-hp Ford Fiesta hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 143 mph.

“The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe, in a release. “I think it’s a future classic in the making.”

In addition to its powertrain upgrades, the new Ford Fiesta ST200 should have even better handling thanks to an enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system with three-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increased roll-stiffness for the adapted rear twist-beam axle, and a 0.6-inch lower ride height thanks to unique front and rear springs and dampers.

Additionally, the steering features a revised front steering knuckle and shortened steering arm with a shorter 13.69:1 steering ratio, while the braking system has been upgraded with a larger tandem brake master cylinder and rear disc brakes.

Visual changes include unique machined matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers, and an available and exclusive Storm Grey exterior paint. Interior upgrades include partial leather Recaro front seats finished in Charcoal with contrasting silver stitching, illuminated scuff plates, and silver detailing on the seatbelts.

While the new Ford Fiesta ST200 hasn’t been confirmed for the U.S., the new high-performance model will go on sale in Europe this summer.

Source: Ford