Latest Ford Fiesta model a celebration of everything good about the brand

Don’t miss out 12 page motoring feature in this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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There’s little point in beating around the bush when it comes to the latest masterpiece from Ford performance engineers because the new Fiesta ST-3 is a bit of a beast and nothing like your standard Fiesta.

Everything in this car is targeted at the driver who appreciates sharp handling, super-sticky grip and that feedback through the pedals, seat and chassis. The stiffness of the chassis and the agility of the car with its tightened suspension and bespoke Michelin tyres mean that the guys at the Ford Performance Centre have thought of everything.

Under the bonnet you get Ford’s outstanding 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost 200PS engine with a slick, short-shift six-speed manual gearbox and the latest in turbo technology. It also features cylinder deactivation technology, allowing it to run on just two cylinders at cruising speed to save fuel.

There are three driving modes and of course, for the most part, you will drive it in Normal mode depending on your mood. Next up is Sport mode and the car bursts into life when switched this.

Then there’s Race Track mode, which not for the faint-hearted. The optional Quaife Mechanical limited-slip differential is vital here and just the ticket to keep it from losing traction and maintains control when you need it most. However, this mode is not recommended for the open road and is better left to the professionals.

Co2 emissions (WLTP) are listed at 158g/km which puts it into Tax Band D and an annual road tax bill of €570. Obviously, fuel consumption is completely based on how you decide to drive it, but in general at regulation speeds and not reaching too often for the limits, I was able to manage 7.2L/100km. However, that could easily jump into double figures if you choose to be aggressive with the right foot.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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