Ford ditches suvs, returns to performance – is this the fiesta st's redemption?
Ford is making a bold move, officially shelving its obsession with SUVs in favor of a return to performance-focused vehicles. And the signal couldn’t be clearer: they’re betting big on recapturing the spirit of the legendary Ford Fiesta ST.
A shift in strategy – no more crossover dreams
Christian Weingartner, Ford’s head of Passenger Vehicles for Europe, dropped a significant bombshell: the company is prioritizing ‘safe’ vehicles, effectively pulling the plug on its SUV ambitions. This isn’t about practicality; it’s about reminding enthusiasts what Ford should be – a purveyor of genuinely exciting driving machines. Frankly, it’s about time.
The Fiesta ST, a turbocharged pocket rocket that dominated the compact hot-hatch scene in the early 2010s, is now firmly back on the radar. It was a brutal weapon, launching from 0 to 60 in a blistering 7 seconds with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing a healthy 180 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. A truly visceral experience.
But the question remains: what will the successor look like? The original Fiesta ST, a six-generation model found its way to European markets in 2014, and production continued until 2023. While the US received the final iteration in 2019, the future of that formula is currently shrouded in mystery. Rumors suggest a revival is imminent – a prospect that’s sending ripples of excitement through the tuning community.
Ford is currently investigating the RG EV Small platform, originally developed in collaboration with Renault. This architecture offers the potential for both front and rear electric motors, and whispers suggest a fully-fledged all-wheel-drive variant isn’t out of the question. A smart move, considering the demand for enhanced traction.
Price points could be a key differentiator. The initial 2014 Fiesta ST started at $21,400 – roughly $29,900 adjusted for inflation – or approximately €25,800. Ford is strategically positioning themselves to potentially maintain a similar entry price for the new model, a crucial factor in attracting a broad customer base.
Beyond the Fiesta ST, Ford’s European strategy includes launching a compact electric crossover and two hybrid models, replacing the Kuga and Focus. This signals a significant shift in the brand’s product portfolio, emphasizing sustainability without sacrificing performance. It’s a calculated risk, and one that could signal a genuine resurgence for Ford’s enthusiast-focused vehicles.
Let’s be clear: Ford isn’t pursuing SUVs. They're aiming for compact crossover replacements, though the question of whether the Fiesta ST lineage will continue remains a tantalizing possibility. The details are still emerging, but one thing is certain: Ford is staking its reputation – and its future – on recapturing the magic of the ST.