Yes, Ford is killing its passenger cars, but it turns out the Fiesta isn't quite done yet. The 2019 model year car will introduce a new trim called the ST Line.

Don't get too excited, though, because this trim is limited to aesthetic modifications exclusively. Just picture a car that looks exactly like a Fiesta STwithout the power, transmission or suspension. That, is what the Fiesta ST Line will be in the U.S. "It's for people who want the look of a sporty car but they don't necessarily care about having that performance," says Sam Scembari, Product Communications Coordinator for Ford cars.

Ford says it's using the front and rear fascias off a Fiesta ST, including the honeycomb grille. The roof gets painted black, as does the ST spoiler capping it off. Body-colored rockers and dual chrome exhaust tips are pulled off the real ST. And a set of ST Line exclusive 16-inch black painted alloy wheels round out the changes. Thankfully Ford didn't attach ST badges in the exact same spots as the full-monty ST, but it does get "ST Line" badging on the front fenders.

You'll get black seats with red stitching and an ST Line logo on the inside. A leather steering wheel and cloth floor mats with red stitching keep the theme consistent throughout the interior as well. A couple other sporty-looking touches include metal scuff plates and metallic pedal covers.

Like we mentioned before, this car is all show, so it has the base 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque. You'll be able to find it in both manual and automatic come October this year starting at $19,375 after destination charges.

Ford has offered ST Line trim configurations in Europe before, but this will be America's first go-round with the trim level. Ford says it's bringing the ST Line out now as a "last hurrah" for the Fiesta, but there's another more important reason too: "We can use it for feelers to see if ST Line would work here," Schembari told us. This would indicate that there's a chance we see more ST Line Ford vehicles here in the future. Ford currently offers ST Line versions of its European Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo (Fusion) and Kuga (Escape). The only one we see as a possibility here is the Escape, since Ford is canceling the futures of the rest of those cars in the U.S.

The Ford Fiesta ST was a good car. I hear the all-new one is even better, but I wouldn’t know because Ford won’t sell it in the U.S. anymore. The 2019 Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition is the hottest version of the new one, and I hate that I’d have to violate federal regulations to get one now.

The new Fiesta ST Performance Edition is based on the two-door Fiesta ST-3 hatchback trim, which is the top-spec version with all of the upgrades like a back-up camera, parking sensors, red brake calipers, heated mirrors and steering wheel, etc. In the UK, it starts at £22,145, or roughly $28,950 at current exchange rates.

The Performance Edition piles even more on top of that, though, according to the specifications reported by Evo Magazine. It gets upgraded speakers, LED headlights, a performance shift light inside, a launch control setting, bespoke 18-inch lightweight 10-spoke grey wheels, a new adjustable coilover suspension setup with a lowered ride height and blue springs, and a limited-slip differential, according to a press release sent to Jalopnik by Ford of Britain.

It keeps the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque.

It’s finished off with a new Deep Orange color—orange is an underrated color for cars, shamefully ruined by Lamborghinis but perfect for the little Fiesta ST—and will be limited to just 600 models exclusive to the UK. It’s expected to be priced around £3,000 more than the ST-3 trim, according to Evo Magazine, or roughly around $33,000.

As someone who genuinely thinks the American 335 horsepower Edge STcrossover will probably be a lot of fun to drive, I’d take an orange Fiesta ST two-door hatch over it any day of the week.

And for the record, trying to smuggle one into the U.S. would violate multiple federal regulations, and the car would be seized and likely crushed. So much for freedom!

Ford revealed the new Fiesta, featuring confident new styling, an enhanced technology package and powered by sophisticated mild hybrid powertrains to make the compact hatchback more future-ready than ever.

A bold, distinctive exterior takes Ford Fiesta's expressive design to a new level, with more road presence and greater differentiation between the comprehensive line-up of Fiesta variants. Trend, Titanium, ST-Line and Active models each benefit from unique styling elements alongside an expanded range of exterior colours, wheel designs and interior finishes. The Fiesta range is also expanded with new Vignale packs that amplify the Titanium, ST Line and Active personalities with luxury specifications, in addition to highly-specified X variants.

Latest generation technologies help ensure new Ford Fiesta is better equipped than ever for intelligent, connected driving experiences. LED headlights are for the first time introduced to all Fiesta variants, with advanced Matrix LED technology available that offers Glare-Free High Beam functionality and can also adapt headlight beam patterns for better visibility in challenging conditions.

The new Fiesta also introduces a 12.3-inch digital instrument display that helps drivers stay informed for relaxing journeys. Local Hazard Information and Wrong-Way Alert make their Fiesta debuts among a suite of sophisticated driver assistance technologies.

Electrified powertrains will help new Ford Fiesta drivers save fuel and reduce emissions while maximising driving fun. Ford EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology helps optimise fuel efficiency while simultaneously enhancing Fiesta's acclaimed driving dynamics with responsive acceleration. The technology works hand-in-hand with Ford's Powershift seven-speed automatic transmission option for fast, seamless gearchanges and the most comfortable and confidence-inspiring Fiesta driving experience.

Ford also unveiled the new Ford Performance-developed Fiesta ST. The hot hatchback experience is enhanced with new Matrix LED headlights, new in-house-developed Performance Seats, sporty design details including a new Chrystaline Grey front grille and striking Mean Green exterior paint option - as well as a 10 per cent peak torque boost to 320 Nm.

"Moving with the times to set new standards for fun-to-drive, technology and efficiency has been a huge part of Fiesta's enduring success," said Roelant de Waard, general manager, Passenger Vehicles, Ford of Europe. "The new Fiesta is another big leap forward for the small car segment, and offers a model to suit every lifestyle."

Fresh design, more personality

The new Ford Fiesta builds on the proven Ford B-car architecture - also utilised by the Ford Puma compact SUV - to deliver a range of practical and refined three- and five-door variants and offer every customer a Fiesta with the character to suit their lifestyle.

New exterior styling across the range includes a bonnet design that increases the height of the nose, combined with larger upper grilles. The Ford "blue oval" badge is now displayed within the grille, rather than on the bonnet lip, contributing to greater road presence.

New standard LED headlights also contribute to the confident, modern design language of the new Fiesta, with sleek horizontal design. At the rear, the standard lights receive new black surrounds for a more sophisticated appearance, while the available LED rear lights are completed with a Premium Black outer finish.

Each new Fiesta variant has a more differentiated personality with unique fascia and grille designs alongside signature exterior and interior design elements to reflect individual characters.

The Trend and Titanium series feature a broad upper grille with strong horizontal strakes and a high gloss chrome surround, with distinctive side vents. Titanium also features upper grille horizontal bars finished in hot-stamped chrome, matched with chrome window surrounds.

The Ford Performance-inspired ST-Line offers a sportier character and is recognisable by its new upper grille with deeper inset and gloss black honeycomb finish. Wide side vents are finished in body colour and a larger lower grille adds to the purposeful appearance.

The SUV-inspired Active variant is distinguished by more rugged design cues for an adventurous character. A wide upper grille features strong vertical strakes finished in gloss black, with taller and more prominent side vents reflecting the Active's taller, crossover stance.

Seven new alloy wheel designs complement the bold new exterior styling, and two new exterior colours are also available - Boundless Blue and Beautiful Berry.

For the highest level of design and exclusivity, available Vignale packs for Titanium, ST-Line and Active series deliver unique design features including exclusive 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, premium Sensico seat materials and matte carbon-effect interior decorative elements, depending on the variant.

"Fiesta is a small car with real personality. Its fun-to-drive nature and quality have always been expressed through its styling," said Amko Leenarts, director, Design, Ford of Europe. "For our new Fiesta we have created even more distinctive characters for each of the Fiesta variants, so our customers can choose a version that reflects their own style and outlook on life."

Powertrains for today and tomorrow

The new Ford Fiesta delivers refined, responsive and fuel-efficient driving experiences using a range of EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid and EcoBoost petrol powertrains.

Designed to reduce running costs while boosting the fun-to-drive factor at the heart of Fiesta's appeal, EcoBoost Hybrid models feature a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) in place of the standard alternator, enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion, air-cooled battery pack.

The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle's electrical ancillaries. The technology can restart the engine in just 350 milliseconds, enabling the Auto Start-Stop system to turn off the engine in scenarios such as when coasting to a stop below 25 km/h (15 mph) even when the vehicle is in gear with the clutch pedal depressed, for even greater fuel savings.

The new Ford Fiesta's 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine is available with 125 PS and 155 PS power outputs, combined with a six-speed manual transmission. WLTP fuel efficiency from 4.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions from 111 g/km represent a 5 per cent improvement compared with a non-hybrid 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, with savings of up to 10 per cent in city driving scenarios according to Ford data.

The 125 PS EcoBoost Hybrid is also available with a seven-speed, Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering seamless gear changes for optimised refinement and from 5.2 l/100 km fuel efficiency and 117 g/km CO2 WLTP.

The Powershift transmission helps keep the engine at the optimum speed for efficiency, as well as enabling rolling Auto Start-Stop below 12 km/h (7 mph) for improved fuel efficiency in city driving. The fun-to-drive experience is also enhanced, with the automatic transmission allowing triple downshifts for faster overtaking when drivers request maximum acceleration.

Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is offered with 100 PS, delivering from 5.2 l/100 km and 118 g/km CO2 WLTP. Like the EcoBoost Hybrid variant, the engine utilises high-pressure direct fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing and an offset crankshaft design for refined operation, and is available in with a six-speed manual transmission.

Fiesta's engaging driving experiences can be tailored using selectable Normal, Sport and Eco Drive Modes technology that enables drivers to adjust throttle response, ESC, traction control, plus gearshift timings for automatic models, to match responses and performance to the driving scenarios. Ford Fiesta Active also has Trail and Slippery modes.

Confident, comfortable, connected technologies

The new Ford Fiesta introduces driving technologies designed to increase comfort, confidence and convenience for drivers and passengers in scenarios from city driving to highway cruising.

Standard LED headlights incorporate LED low-beam, high-beam and daytime running lights for superior visibility. The high-series Matrix LED headlights can also adapt their beams according to the driving scenario. Manoeuvring Light and Bad-Weather Light functions are triggered when the vehicle sensors detect a low-speed manoeuvring attempt or the activation of windscreen wipers, and automatically adjust the beam pattern to help the driver see more clearly. Glare-Free High Beam uses a front-mounted camera to detect oncoming traffic and create a "glare-free spot" within the beam pattern by blocking those rays that would otherwise shine in the eyes of other road-users. The technology enables increased use of high beam to maximise night-time driving visibility while helping to reduce the risk of dazzling other drivers.

A 12.3-inch, fully-configurable TFT digital instrument cluster is introduced to new Fiesta giving drivers the ability to personalise and prioritise information displays including navigation notifications. The cluster features uniquely-themed displays to correspond with selected Drive Modes, and a separate area for high-priority information such as driver assistance technologies.

New Fiesta adds Wrong Way Alert to a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. The system uses a windscreen-mounted camera in combination with information from the car's navigation system to provide drivers with an audible and visual warning should they drive through two "No Entry" signs on a motorway ramp.

Further sophisticated technologies available include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Speed Sign Recognition, designed to help maintain a comfortable driving distance from the vehicle ahead. The system can automatically bring Fiesta to a complete halt and automatically pull away again in stop-start traffic, in vehicles equipped with the Powershift transmission.

Also helping drivers negotiate cities with ease, Active Park Assist can detect suitably-sized parking spaces and can control the steering to park hands-free nose-to-tail and side-by-side with other cars, while the driver controls acceleration and braking and gear selection.

Technologies designed to prevent or mitigate the effect of collisions with other road users include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert and Active Braking, Lane-Keeping Aid and Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking.

Advanced connectivity features also help new Fiesta customers enjoy stress-free ownership experiences. Standard FordPass Connect modem technology allows a selection of convenient features to be controlled remotely using the FordPass app. Customers can operate Door Lock/Unlock, Remote Start for Fiesta models with seven-speed automatic transmission, Vehicle Locator, and Vehicle Status for checking fuel level, alarm status, tyre pressures, oil life and more.

New Fiesta's connectivity also provides Live Traffic updates for the available navigation system and enables Local Hazard Information, which can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.

The available SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system allows drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple voice commands. The system delivers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility and is supported by an 8-inch central touchscreen with pinch and swipe functionality, as well as the ability to display a 180 degree image from the available rear-view camera.

New Fiesta models equipped with SYNC 3 also now feature Rear Occupant Alert, designed to help drivers avoid leaving children or pets in their vehicle by reminding them to check the back seats when the rear doors have been opened at the start of a journey.

Further available premium features include a wireless charging pad for smartphones and a B&O Sound System with 10-speakers, an integrated subwoofer and a 575-watt Digital Signal Processing Amplifier to deliver selectable Surround Sound.

New Fiesta ST goes Mean Green

Ford also revealed for the first time the new Ford Fiesta ST high-performance hot hatchback, developed by Ford Performance.

A fresh exterior design incorporates a more aggressive fascia appearance, with honeycomb upper and lower grilles alongside large lower side vents. Fiesta ST upper grille and side vents are finished in distinctive Chrystaline Grey, and the aero-optimised lower lip spoiler, side skirts, rear hatch spoiler and rear diffuser are finished in body colour. Standard 17-inch or optional 18 inch alloy wheels feature a brooding dark Magnetite finish, and exterior colour options now include bold ST Mean Green.

New Performance Seats have been developed specifically to provide even greater support for drivers during high performance driving and comfort on the road. An integrated headrest and 14-way adjustment help drivers find their ultimate driving position, with distinctive red contrast stitching and Sensico trim for a premium feel. A flat-bottomed sport steering wheel and a matte carbon-effect foil with red detailing add further sporty character to the cabin.

Zero-100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) are delivered by a 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine, providing 200 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque raised from 290 Nm to 320 Nm from 1,600 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Patented, cold-formed force vectoring springs and Tenneco twin-tube front dampers provide the Ford Fiesta ST with sharp turn-in and high levels of body control, while an optional Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential delivers enhanced traction and cornering agility.

In addition to the Normal and Sport Drive Modes, the new Fiesta ST also features a Track mode in place of new Fiesta's Eco mode, which disables traction control and sets ESC to wide-slip mode for circuit driving.

"Introducing the new Fiesta ST alongside the other variants in our expanded new Fiesta line-up means customers have never had more choice. From city chic, to outdoors adventure or hot-hatch performance, there's a new Fiesta for everyone," de Waard said.

On sale for 46 years, the Ford Fiesta has been a veritable icon of the supermini segment. It spans seven generations and has taken many forms, including three- and five-door hatchbacks, a sedan, and even a van. It would seem the subcompact model is sadly not long for this world, according to a worrying report published today by Auto Express. The British journalists claim an announcement from the Blue Oval about the Fiesta's demise is imminent.

Citing sources close to the company, AE has learned Ford will tell "select parties" production of the Fiesta will come to an end as early as the middle of next year. When contacted by the magazine, the automaker refused to comment about the car's possible discontinuation: "We are accelerating our efforts to go all-in on electrification and therefore review our vehicle portfolio in line with our business strategy. We do not comment on speculation and will share more information in the coming months."



The Fiesta is made at the Cologne factory in Germany where Ford plans to build EVs based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB architecture. It should be mentioned the Puma small crossover rides on the same platform as the Fiesta and will get an electric version in 2024 that will be assembled in Craiova, Romania alongside the ICE model.

Ford has already simplified the Fiesta’s lineup by axing the three-door model, echoing similar decisions taken by the VW Group and Stellantis with their subcompact hatches in light of declining sales of the less practical body style.

AE cites Ford of Europe and Chief Transformation and Quality Officer Stuart Rowley hinting the B-segment hatch could return one day: "This will not be the end of the journey. We'll only sell electric passenger cars by 2030. We look forward to developing future plans."

More than 16 million Fiestas have been sold since its inception in the mid-1970s, thus making it one of Ford's best-selling products ever. A facelift for the Mk7 was introduced last year with matrix LED headlights and a bit more torque for the ST hot hatch. It would seem these tweaks haven't rejuvenated sales in a market that continues to be obsessed with crossovers.

Responsive, rewarding, fun-to-drive Ford Performance dynamics are now set to be enjoyed by even greater numbers of SUV customers as Ford revealed the new Puma ST Powershift - introducing the most powerful version of Ford's multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine ever.

Enhanced using 48-volt mild hybrid technology to deliver up to 170 PS peak power and 248 Nm peak torque, the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed, dual-clutch Ford Powershift transmission - seamlessly fusing energised driving experiences and everyday usability.

The new powertrain fully embraces the Sports Technologies moniker alongside existing performance-enhancing features from the optimised chassis of the 1.5-litre EcoBoost Puma ST - launched in 2020 - including bespoke twist-beam and anti-roll bar settings, and patented force vectoring springs.

Coupled with the compact SUV's comfort, uncompromised interior space and innovative practical solutions including the Ford MegaBox, the versatile new Ford Puma ST Powershift brings Ford Performance driving experiences within reach for even greater numbers of enthusiasts - delivering responsive 7.4-second 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration alongside 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100 km) fuel efficiency and 144 g/km CO2.

"The Ford Performance team called on all of its experience developing the original Puma ST to deliver ST signature fun-to-drive without losing the practicality of our compact SUV, and our new Powershift derivative is even more versatile. We're using 48-volt mild hybrid technology not just to improve efficiency but also to enhance peak power and torque," said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. "The multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed, dual-clutch Ford Powershift transmission - fusing an energised driving experience and everyday usability."

True ST Performance, mild hybrid efficiency

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology offered to Puma customers since the SUV's launch in 2019 is enhanced to deliver even greater performance for Ford Puma ST Powershift.

The mild hybrid system engages energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This enables the belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) to offer a longer boost period of torque supplementation for enhanced performance at lower engine rpm. In addition, the increased energy recuperation allows a further 10 PS of electric assist from the BISG to boost peak power.

Combined with unique software tuning for the turbocharged, direct injected, three-cylinder petrol engine, the result is an almost 10 per cent increase in peak power compared with the 155 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine. Delivering up to 170 PS at 5,750 rpm and up to 248 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, the Ford Puma ST Powershift produces exactly twice the power-per-litre of a 2002 Focus ST170.

Ford Puma ST Powershift benefits from the same active exhaust valve technology as Puma ST for increased performance and a distinctive ST engine note under acceleration. Controlled by the selectable Drive Modes, the active exhaust valve remains closed in Normal and Eco modes for everyday refinement, but opens in Sport mode to intensify the sporty sound.

"The combination of a downsized engine and electrified technology helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions while providing accessible, everyday performance. Together with the recalibrated Powershift transmission, this package delivers smart performance and emotional ST fun-to-drive," Muenzinger said.

Powershift to give the driver control

Developed to work seamlessly with Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engines, the seven-speed Ford Powershift transmission is optimised with revised software strategies that can maximise performance and efficiency for Puma ST Powershift customers.

In fully automatic mode, the dual-clutch gearbox provides smooth-shifting, effortless convenience and comfort - particularly stop-start traffic - and helps to keep the mild hybrid powertrain at the optimum rpm for efficiency. However, for truly exploiting the engine's performance, triple downshifts enable faster overtaking when drivers request maximum acceleration. With Sport Drive Mode engaged, the transmission also holds lower gears for longer, for sportier responses. In addition, steering wheel paddle shifters allow manual control of shift points for full driver engagement.

The Powershift automatic also enables Stop & Go functionality for the available Adaptive Cruise Control, which can bring the vehicle to a complete halt in stop-start traffic and automatically pull away if the stopping duration is less than three seconds, or resume after three seconds with the touch of a button or the accelerator. The transmission also enables a Remote Start function via the FordPass app.

High specification ST chassis

A Ford Puma ST Powershift chassis shared with the award-winning Puma ST sharpens responses using a rear suspension twist-beam rated at 2,000 Nm/deg torsional stiffness - an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the standard Puma - with a 28 mm anti-roll bar integrated into the U-section and a 24 mm front anti-roll bar.

Ford's patented force vectoring springs also improve the Puma ST Powershift's stability, agility and responsiveness. The non-uniform, non-interchangeable, directionally-wound springs apply vectoring forces to the rear suspension and enable cornering forces to travel directly into the spring, for increased lateral stiffness.

This advanced spring technology is combined with Hitachi twin-tube frequency-reactive dampers at the front and rear, delivering the stiffness needed for enhanced body control alongside the compliance to isolate smaller road imperfections for high-speed refinement.

An 11.4:1 steering ratio - almost 25 per cent faster than the standard Puma - uses a combination of ST-specification front knuckles, steering arm and steering rack gearing, for heightened response during turn-in compared to the standard Puma, further supported by Torque Vectoring Control.

Enhanced braking performance is provided by 325 mm front discs - 17 per cent larger in diameter than the standard Puma specification. Ford Puma ST Powershift's brake booster is tuned for modulation, feel and feedback that supports performance driving, and the powertrain's optimised energy recuperation also supports increased engine braking.

Design that combines form and function

A Ford Performance-embossed splitter integrated into the front bumper not only makes the Puma ST Powershift's sports credentials immediately clear, but also increases front end downforce by almost 80 per cent versus the standard Puma. A large rear roof spoiler and distinctive rear diffuser also feature, while signature ST upper and lower front grilles are designed to maximise engine cooling capability and efficiency.

Ford Puma ST Powershift introduces a new ST-exclusive Azura Blue signature colour among six exterior paint options. Complemented by an available gloss black finish for the roof and standard black grille surrounds, side spears, door mirror caps and rear roof spoiler, the SUV also offers a Magnetite finish on the standard 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, standard highlights include Ford Performance-developed sports seats finished in premium Sensico synthetic leather-effect material, a wireless charging pad, Quickclear heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, FordPass Connect modem, and Ford's SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Available driver assistance technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Active Park Assist, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking, and Intelligent Speed Limiter.

Underlining the Ford Performance model's versatility, Puma ST Powershift retains full Puma space and practicality, offering 456 litres of loadspace with the rear seats in place as well as the innovative Ford MegaBox that provides an 80-litre storage space beneath the boot floor - capable of comfortably accommodating two golf bags in an upright position.