Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the Ford Fiesta ST 2012, a hot hatch that took the automotive world by storm. This isn't just a car; it's a statement, a burst of energy, and a testament to Ford's engineering brilliance. So, buckle up as we explore the nitty-gritty technical specifications that made this little beast such a memorable ride.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Beast

The Ford Fiesta ST 2012 is powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, a marvel of modern engineering. This isn't your grandma's Fiesta; this turbocharged engine cranks out an impressive 182 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. What does this mean for you? It means exhilarating acceleration, a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.9 seconds, and a top speed that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. But it's not just about raw power; the EcoBoost engine is also designed for efficiency, offering a surprisingly frugal fuel consumption for a performance-oriented car. The engine features direct injection and turbocharging, allowing for optimal power delivery and responsiveness across the rev range. This ensures that the car feels lively and engaging, whether you're tackling twisty backroads or navigating city streets. The six-speed manual transmission is perfectly geared to extract the most from the engine, providing smooth and precise shifts. The short gear ratios enhance the car's acceleration, while the taller top gear allows for relaxed cruising on the highway. The engine's responsiveness is further enhanced by the car's lightweight construction. Ford engineers worked hard to minimize weight throughout the vehicle, resulting in a car that feels nimble and agile. This is particularly noticeable in the corners, where the Fiesta ST exhibits minimal body roll and excellent grip. The electronic power steering is also well-weighted and provides good feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. The overall driving experience is one of pure fun and excitement. The Fiesta ST is a car that encourages you to push it to its limits, rewarding you with its playful handling and punchy performance. It's a car that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.

Dimensions and Weight: Compact and Agile

The Ford Fiesta ST 2012 boasts dimensions that make it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver. Its compact size isn't just for show; it directly contributes to its agility and responsiveness. With a length of around 3.97 meters, a width of approximately 1.7 meters, and a height of about 1.46 meters, the Fiesta ST is perfectly proportioned for both city driving and spirited cornering. The wheelbase, measuring around 2.49 meters, provides a stable platform, enhancing its handling characteristics. The curb weight of the Fiesta ST is approximately 1163 kg, a figure that contributes significantly to its impressive performance. The lightweight construction allows the engine to deliver its power more effectively, resulting in quicker acceleration and improved fuel economy. The car's weight distribution is also carefully optimized to enhance its handling balance, making it feel planted and stable in the corners. The compact dimensions of the Fiesta ST also make it a practical choice for everyday use. It's easy to park in tight spaces and navigate through crowded city streets. The interior is surprisingly spacious for a car of its size, offering ample room for both front and rear passengers. The trunk is also reasonably sized, providing enough space for groceries, luggage, or other essentials. The combination of compact dimensions, lightweight construction, and optimized weight distribution makes the Fiesta ST a joy to drive. It's a car that feels nimble, responsive, and eager to please, whether you're carving up your favorite backroads or simply commuting to work.

Suspension and Brakes: Engineered for Performance

The Ford Fiesta ST 2012 features a finely tuned suspension system designed to deliver exceptional handling and control. The front suspension utilizes MacPherson struts with revised dampers and stiffer springs, providing precise steering and minimizing body roll. The rear suspension features a torsion beam axle with uprated dampers and springs, enhancing stability and improving cornering performance. The suspension is also lowered by 15mm compared to the standard Fiesta, giving the ST a more aggressive stance and further improving its handling. The brakes on the Fiesta ST are equally impressive, providing strong and consistent stopping power. The front brakes feature ventilated discs, while the rear brakes utilize solid discs. The brake calipers are painted red, adding a touch of sporty flair to the car's appearance. The braking system is also equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and ESP (Electronic Stability Program), enhancing safety and control in emergency braking situations. The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. The EBD system distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels to optimize braking performance and stability. The ESP system helps to prevent skidding by selectively applying the brakes to individual wheels. The combination of the upgraded suspension and brakes makes the Fiesta ST a formidable performer on the road. It's a car that inspires confidence, allowing you to push it to its limits with ease. The precise steering, minimal body roll, and strong brakes make it a joy to drive on twisty roads, while the comfortable ride ensures that it's also well-suited for everyday use.

Transmission and Drivetrain: Power to the Wheels

The Ford Fiesta ST 2012 is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission that is perfectly matched to the engine's characteristics. The transmission features short gear ratios, enhancing the car's acceleration and making it feel more responsive. The gear lever is short and precise, providing a satisfying and engaging shifting experience. The clutch is also well-weighted and easy to modulate, making it easy to drive smoothly in traffic. The Fiesta ST is a front-wheel-drive car, which is typical for a hot hatch of this size. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides good traction and helps to minimize understeer, making the car feel more agile and responsive. The car is also equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), which helps to improve traction and reduce wheelspin. The eLSD works by selectively applying the brakes to the inside wheel when it detects wheelspin, transferring power to the outside wheel and improving grip. This is particularly useful when accelerating out of corners or driving on slippery surfaces. The combination of the six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive configuration, and eLSD makes the Fiesta ST a joy to drive. The car feels responsive and engaging, with plenty of power and grip available at all times. The eLSD helps to improve traction and reduce wheelspin, making it easier to put the power down and accelerate quickly.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions: Performance with Responsibility

Despite its performance credentials, the Ford Fiesta ST 2012 is surprisingly fuel-efficient. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is designed to deliver a good balance of power and economy, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The Fiesta ST achieves a combined fuel consumption of around 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers, which is impressive for a car with this level of performance. The fuel efficiency is achieved through a combination of factors, including the engine's direct injection and turbocharging, as well as the car's lightweight construction. The direct injection system injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for more precise fuel metering and improved combustion efficiency. The turbocharger forces more air into the engine, increasing power output without sacrificing fuel economy. The Fiesta ST also features a range of technologies designed to reduce emissions. The engine is equipped with a catalytic converter, which helps to reduce harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. The car also features a start-stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights. This helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in urban driving. The Fiesta ST meets the Euro 5 emissions standards, which are some of the strictest in the world. This means that it produces relatively low levels of harmful emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than some other performance cars. The combination of fuel efficiency and low emissions makes the Fiesta ST a responsible choice for drivers who want a performance car that is also kind to the environment.

Interior and Technology: Comfort Meets Performance

The Ford Fiesta ST 2012 isn't just about performance; it also offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The cabin is sporty and stylish, with supportive Recaro seats that hug you in place during spirited driving. The seats are trimmed in a combination of cloth and leather, with contrasting stitching that adds a touch of flair. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and features a flat-bottom design, providing a comfortable and sporty grip. The dashboard is well-designed and easy to use, with all of the controls within easy reach. The instrument cluster features a sporty design, with clear and easy-to-read gauges. The Fiesta ST is also equipped with a range of technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system. The infotainment system allows you to control the car's audio, navigation, and other functions. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your smartphone to the car, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream music. The premium sound system delivers clear and powerful audio, enhancing the driving experience. The Fiesta ST also features a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and traction control. The airbags provide protection in the event of a collision, while the stability control and traction control systems help to prevent skidding and maintain control of the car. The combination of comfort, technology, and safety features makes the Fiesta ST a well-rounded and enjoyable car to drive. It's a car that you can use every day, whether you're commuting to work or going for a weekend drive.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Ford Fiesta ST 2012

The Ford Fiesta ST 2012 remains a benchmark in the hot hatch segment. Its blend of performance, handling, and practicality makes it a truly special car. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of performance cars, the Fiesta ST is sure to impress. Its technical specifications tell a story of engineering excellence, and its driving experience is nothing short of exhilarating. So, if you're looking for a fun, engaging, and capable hot hatch, the Ford Fiesta ST 2012 is definitely worth considering.