(February 8, 2013) UNITED KINGDOM — Ford has started production at its assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, of the new Ford Fiesta ST — the first production Fiesta to record a 0-62 mph acceleration time of under seven seconds.

Developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group, the new Fiesta ST for Europe is powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost gas engine to achieve 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds and offer 180 horsepower. Top speed is 136.7 mph.

Ford has further refined the Fiesta ST’s renowned global small car chassis with new steering, suspension, braking components, configuration and tuning. An enhanced version of Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control system, and a three-mode Electronic Stability Control system contribute to a rewarding and secure driving experience.

“The new Fiesta ST is a very modern performance car built on more than 30 years of fast Fiestas and a global development process,” said Juergen Gagstatter, chief program engineer, Performance Cars, Ford of Europe. “This vehicle is a significant step forward, both in terms of our proud heritage of blending a powerful engine with a dynamic chassis, and also in achieving reduced fuel consumption and emissions.”

The new high-performance Fiesta ST follows iconic Fiesta models including the XR2, XR2i, RS1800, RS Turbo and first generation ST; and is equipped with Ford’s turbocharged Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing EcoBoost engine to achieve faster acceleration and a higher top speed than the 2002 Ford Focus ST170. The second-generation Fiesta ST has also been confirmed for launch in North America and Asia Pacific.

The new model in Europe features a unique new honeycomb mesh trapezoidal grille exterior and dramatic rear diffuser element. The high contrast interior is also equipped with Recaro seats as standard for the first time.

With UK sales forecast at 5,000 a year, more than half of European Fiesta ST production is destined for Britain.