Will the Fiesta ST concept be Ford's first global positioning success?

The new five-door Fiesta ST concept has bold new styling including a striking new mesh grill and will reportedly carry the high-performance DNA of its predecessors, including the European Fiesta XR2 and XR2i, Fiesta RS1800 and RS Turbo and the more recent first-generation Fiesta ST.

“The Fiesta has a rich history of high-performance models so a new ST performance model is a logical next step in our performance vehicle strategy for our global small cars,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

The Fiesta ST Concept represents a technologically advanced and freshly restyled embodiment of that continuing tradition in a global performance version of Ford’s best-selling commuter.

“With a racing silhouette inspired by global Fiesta race and rally cars currently competing on the world stage, and influenced by the unique appearance of the all-new Focus ST, the new Fiesta ST Concept is an exciting demonstration of the road-going Fiesta’s potential,” Kuzak added.

As the Fiesta RS World Rally car and Fiesta Rallycross cars currently compete in some of harshest international motorsports events, now is the perfect time to boost the technology and performance of the street model. In fact, Ken Block’s Gymkhana THREE, part 2 (see below) which features one of the aforementioned racecars, has racked up over 37 million views on YouTube for the brand.

Like the race cars, the Fiesta ST Concept utilizes Ford’s direct injection, turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost combustion engine to deliver a higher level of performance values, achieving an output of 180 horsepower with 177 lb.-ft. of torque

The EcoBoost powerplant in the Fiesta ST Concept also features twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), specially developed to provide power and torque living up to the ST badge, which stands for Sport Technologies, according to Kuzak.

Like the racy Ford Fiesta WRC competition car, the new Fiesta will feature a lower stance, wider wheel arches sporting 17-inch alloy wheels and a complete ST body kit. In addition, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, delivering fewer emissions when compared to previous models.

The EcoBoost engine family is a major component of the brand’s approach to improving fuel economy and emissions. Meanwhile the Fiesta ST Concept seeks to establish that more efficient fuel economy doesn’t necessarily preclude high performance.

Given the growth of the small car segment, as a result of both economic and environmental concerns, Ford has a very good chance of grabbing the brass ring with this performance-oriented model.

Maturity may mean making more responsible choices, but that does not mean you wouldn’t prefer the luxury of irresponsibility. So given a little of each, a lot of people will be quite happy.