Ford Europe Launches Ford Fiesta ST-Line

It may well be that Ford Europe has achieved some level of sales success offering special appearance editions of its passenger vehicles over the past months: cars like the Ford Fiesta Zetec Black and White editions, and the Ford Focus Zetec S. Perhaps that’s why the regional Ford division is introducing a new “ST-Line” of sporty-looking models.

Earlier in the day, we introduced you to the new ST-Line version of the Ford Focus. Now, it’s time to say “hello” to its smaller sibling: the Ford Fiesta ST-Line.

Ford Europe says that the new ST-Line of models has been created for customers who want the sporty appearance of the lauded ST-badged Focus and Fiesta, but don’t necessarily need the full performance capabilities. As such, the 197-horsepower, 1.6-liter EcoBoost I4 and 6-speed manual transmission that ship with the regular Fiesta ST aren’t available in the Fiesta ST-Line.

Here is a list of powertrains that you can have:

• 1.0L EcoBoost I3 (100 horsepower; 5-speed manual or 6-speed PowerShift DCT)
• 1.0L EcoBoost I3 (125 horsepower or 140 horsepower; 5-speed manual only)
• 1.5L TDCi diesel I4 (95 horsepower; 5-speed manual only)

Despite the rather pedestrian range of powertrain options, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line still does manage to offer some performance advantage over the regular hatchback by boasting a “sport” suspension setup with a 10mm-lower ride height.

As for appearances, it borrows extensively from the regular Ford Fiesta ST, incorporating a honeycomb grille pattern, front chin spoiler, a roof spoiler and diffuser in the rear, and unique, 16-inch alloy wheels in Rock Metallic Gray. Inside, the ST-mimicry continues, with red-stitched sport seats, an ST-style steering wheel and gear shifter, and special “ST-Line” scuff plates.

Ford Europe plans to introduce two additional ST-Line models by the end of the year, although we don’t know what cars those models will be based on; Ford Performance has no more ST-badged models to draw on for inspiration. That said, a Ford Mondeo (a.k.a. “Fusion”) ST-Line might look pretty darn good…