Ford has announced that production is underway for the latest version of its popular Fiesta model.
The manufacturer revealed the new ST is now being assembled at its plant in Cologne, Germany, with the Ford Team RS – which is the Ford Motor Company's Global Performance Vehicle Group's European arm – developing the motor.
A 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will power the vehicle, which will be the first Ford car to move from zero to 62 miles per hour (mph) in under seven seconds.
It takes just 6.9 seconds for the motor to achieve this speed, while the vehicle also boasts 182 PS and peak torque of 290 Nm.
The car's fuel consumption comes in at just 48 miles per gallon and 138g/km CO2 emissions, with the vehicle's top speed being 136.7 mph.
This latest version of the famous car includes a number of new updates, such as those made with regard to its steering, braking, suspension, tuning and configuration, while the car also boasts an enhanced edition of Ford;s Torque Vectoring Control system.
In addition, those who purchase the motor can make use of a three-mode Electronic Stability Control system that enables the vehicle to offer a secure and rewarding driving experience.
The impending release of the new car might therefore result in increasing numbers of motorists looking at the latest Ford deals in order to drive away in the model at an affordable price.
Juergen Gagstatter, chief programme engineer of Performance Cars, Ford of Europe, said: "The new Fiesta ST is a very modern performance car built on more than 30 years of fast Fiestas and a global development process.
"This vehicle is a significant step forward, both in terms of our proud heritage of blending a powerful engine with a dynamic chassis and also in achieving reduced fuel consumption and emissions."
The news comes after Ford took home the top prize in three of seven categories at Euro NCAP's 2012 best-in-class safety awards.
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Posted by Peter Murray