Don’t let the pre-facelift Ford Fiesta ST exterior fool you. It looks like Ford could be working on a hotter version of its hot hatch.
Acting as what appears to be a test mule, our spy photographers have captured Ford testing this hotted-up Fiesta prototype in Germany with no camouflage whatsoever.
Setting this Fiesta ST prototype apart from the regular model are the slotted brake discs with gold-painted brake calipers.
Our spy photographers also noticed the dual exhaust outlets don’t quite fit as they should on the rear, with one of the tips pointing further down than the other.
All of this points towards this prototype being a fettled high-performance version of the Fiesta ST.
On the rear of the spied prototype is a sticker that reads, “BWI Group”.
BWI Group is a Chinese-based company that manufacturers and supplies chassis, suspension and brake products.
According to its website, it counts among its customers brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Opel and Porsche, among others, and has manufacturing, research and testing facilities scattered around Asia, Europe and North America.
It’s possible BWI Group is involved in the development of the brakes and chassis.
At this stage we don’t know what this potential Fiesta variant would be called.
Ford already offers ST-3 variants of its Fiesta and Focus models, the latter of which will be replaced with a new ST X variant when it’s updated in 2022.
The current Focus ST-3 adds extra luxury equipment to the ST, while the Fiesta ST-3 – not available here – receives red-painted brake calipers, a limited-slip differentials, and additional standard equipment.
Although not a true homologation special, Ford could be working on a special-edition Fiesta ST with a little extra power and other goodies as a farewell tribute to the Fiesta WRC race car.
In the next WRC season, the Fiesta will be replaced with a hybrid-powered Puma WRC Rally1 car.
We’ll have to wait and see what information arises in the future about this fettled test mule.
Pictured: Updated Fiesta ST
Ford Australia recently confirmed the facelifted Fiesta ST for Australia, with it set to arrive in the first quarter of 2022.
This model brings with it a new look, more interior technology, and a boost to its three-cylinder engine.
Its 1.5-litre three-cylinder ‘EcoBoost’ engine produces the same 147kW of power as before, but peak torque is up from 290Nm to 320Nm.
This is sent to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual.
Australian-spec models will pack a Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential as standard.
It also gets matrix LED headlights, a redesigned grille, and dark-surround tail lights.
New exterior paint options include ‘Mean Green’ and ‘Boundless Blue’.
Inside, the facelifted Fiesta ST receives a set of in-house designed sport seats, rather than the previous Recaro seats, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, rear cross-traffic alert, a more advanced blind-spot monitor, and rear occupant alert.
The current Fiesta ST, introduced in early 2021, is now the only Fiesta model offered in Australia.
It’s not clear if the updated model will be priced in line with the current model, which is priced at $31,990 before on-road costs.
The hot hatch will face stiff competition though once it arrives Down Under as it’ll go up against the Hyundai i20 N and Volkswagen Polo GTI.
MORE: Everything Fiesta ST
