Ford Fiesta ST200 arrives: The ST gets more power, but it’s no Fiesta RS

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The Ford Fiesta ST200 arrives at Geneva as a new range-topping ST, with 197bhp and a comprehensive makeover, technically and cosmetically.

There have been so many rumours that Ford were planning a more powerful Fiesta for debut at the Geneva Motor Show – including a 250bhp Fiesta RS – that something was almost inevitably coming. And this is it – the new Ford Fiesta ST200.

On the face of it, the new ST200 doesn’t offer any sort of extreme performance – with 197bhp coming from the tweaked 1.6 litre turbo, just 17bhp up on the regular ST – but Ford has been very thorough with this ST performance makeover.

For a start, there’s a decent overboost facility that increases output to 212bhp and 236lb/ft of torque for up to 15 seconds, enough really to use these output figures as a guide to potential.

Ford has also shortened the final drive, and the ST200 gets enhanced Torque Vectoring, a three-stage ESC, modifications to the steering and suspension – including new damper settings and a slightly lower ride height – and some meatier brakes at the back.

The result – in addition to what promises to be a more rewarding drive – is a 0-62mph sprint cut by 0.2s to 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.

Cosmetic titivations include a new paint job – Storm Grey – red brake calipers and matt black 17″ alloys, with the interior getting part leather Recaros with contrast stitching, illuminated sill plates and silver detailing on the seat belts.

No prices for the new Ford Fiesta ST200 yet, but they should come soon after its Geneva debut, especially as first UK customer cars are expected in the summer.