A B-segment hot hatch that might finally be able to rival the majestic Ford Fiesta ST. And it's... er... well, it's a Ford Fiesta ST. Albeit a special version.
What?!
This is the M-Sport Edition, developed by Ford's rally prep outfit. So the team behind the Fiesta RS WRC is now providing a hot road-going version of Ford's small hatch. And while the letters 'ST' are not used in the official release announcement, the fact the M-Sport uses a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine with a Mountune MP215 upgrade suggests quite clearly upon which car this Fiesta is based.
So what do we get for our money?
The Fiesta M-Sport, developed with the Cumbrian outfit's partner Permashine, delivers 215hp at 6,000rpm and 320Nm at 3,000rpm. It gets a gloss-black rear spoiler and exterior graphics reminiscent of the M-Sport WRC livery, while inside are M-Sport-logoed seats, a Nappa leather custom steering wheel and a carbon fibre gear lever insert. The M-Sport logo features on the gearbox gate pattern and in the rev counter, while a carbon fibre build number plaque on the tailgate outlines which number car it is in the series. However, the best addition can be found in the transmission.
And what hidden treasure do we have there?
A Quaife ATB limited-slip differential. That promises to give the already superb ST all the dynamic edge it needs, while a set of OZ Superturismo 17-inch light alloy wheels complete the package. For now, this is available on ST1 Fiestas only, although ST2 and ST3 variants are being planned.
Does M-Sport offer anything else to upgrade the Fiesta?
Yes, options include the Handling Pack, with Bilstein dampers and Eibach Pro springs, as well as 332mm brake discs with Alcon callipers and Goodridge braided brake hoses, an M-Sport cold air induction system with Pipercross high-flow foam filter and a modified exhaust from Chris Tullett Exhausts.
How much does all this cost?
The M-Sport Fiesta starts from £21,600, which makes it a bit more expensive than an ST1 with a Mountune kit. But its limited availability somewhat offsets that price.
Where can I buy it from?
Just five Ford dealers nationwide can sell the M-Sport, and they're in Edinburgh, Dolgellau (Wales), Henley-in-Arden (West Midlands), Knottingley (West Yorkshire) and Tarnock (Somerset). You can find out more about the M-Sport Edition Ford Fiesta at www.Facebook.com/MSportStore or by emailing [email protected]. Other than that, here's a video of the M-Sport Edition Fiesta to keep you happy for now:
