AUTOCAR GAME CHANGER - The Ford Fiesta ST200 takes the honours for drivers car under £30k

• Autocar presents second award in as many years to Ford Performance models
• Increases number of UK awards for top-selling Ford Fiesta to over 60  

The Ford Fiesta ST200 has been crowned Britain’s best affordable driver’s car under £30,000 at this year’s Autocar Awards.

Since the 200PS version of the Fiesta ST arrived under a year ago, 850 have been ordered by UK driving enthusiasts – in addition to 6,125 choosing the standard 182PS version in the same period.

The enthusiast’s motoring magazine and website declared Fiesta ST200 “the best-made, most convincing all-round ST yet”, thanks to steering enhanced to make the car’s initial rate of turn even more rigorous, the hot supermini’s tight-bodied response through bends and 0-62mph in 6.7sec and a maximum 142mph. 

Driving fans have a long history of being attracted to fast Fords, having bought a total of 17,250 of the current Fiesta ST.  

The 250PS Ford Focus RS, honoured at last year’s Autocar Awards with a maximum five stars for its “barmy and tremendously engaging” drive, has drawn a further 5,000 thrill seekers to the blue oval brand.

The larger Focus ST, available with petrol and diesel powertrains in both hatchback and estate body styles, the right-hand drive Mustang muscle car and newly launched GT supercar are the other models offering a performance Ford for every budget – from £18,000 Fiesta ST to the over £420,000 GT.

The current Fiesta has scooped up 61 awards since launch in 2008, including this one from Autocar, 12 from sister publication What Car? and the balance from other auto media and experts.

Matthias Tonn, Fiesta ST200 chief engineer who collected the award, said:  “The Ford Performance team took a special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance in the ST200.  Customer take-up and awards such as this have established Fiesta ST200 as a future classic and helped put fast Fords at the top of petrol heads’ wish lists.”

The model’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine uses a new calibration to deliver 200PS – twice the power offered by its Fiesta XR2 predecessor 20 years ago – and 290Nm of torque, with an additional 15PS available for up to 20 seconds using overboost.

A 4.06 ratio final drive – shortened from 3.82 in the Fiesta ST – further enhances in-gear acceleration.  The Fiesta ST200 utilises upgraded Fiesta ST suspension and Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) settings to improve ride quality and driving dynamics.

A rear twist-beam with 27 per cent more roll-stiffness and a front anti-roll bar increased to 21mm from 19mm diameter support revised damper specifications for better impact absorption. Like the Fiesta ST, the ST200 sits 15mm closer to the road than standard Fiesta models.

Unique storm grey body colour, 17in black machined alloys with red brake calipers and Recaro partial leather seats complete the Fiesta ST200’s specifications.

Ford launches the next two Vignale models, the Edge and Kuga, moving them up into the luxury car territory.

• Ford expands upscale Vignale model portfolio with new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale, meeting growing consumer demand for upmarket SUVs
• Ford Kuga Vignale mid-size SUV and Ford Edge Vignale large SUV deliver exclusive specification and premium materials including tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors
• Sophisticated technologies include SYNC 3 connectivity with enhanced voice-control and 8-inch touch screen enabling pinch and swipe gestures
• Powerful, fuel-efficient and refined powertrains include Ford’s 210PS bi-turbo TDCi diesel for Ford Edge Vignale, and 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for Ford Kuga Vignale
• Ford Vignale model range available to order across Europe; upscale product and ownership experience offers dedicated lifestyle service and exclusive benefits

The new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale are the first sport utility vehicles (SUVs) introduced as part of the Ford Vignale upscale product and ownership experience – and meet growing consumer demand for more luxurious SUV models.

Both the Ford Kuga Vignale mid-size SUV and Ford Edge large SUV deliver exclusive specification and high-quality materials including tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors, unique Vignale colours, and detailing including the signature Ford Vignale hexagonal grille design.

Cutting-edge technologies include Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment, and Ford’s SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and an 8-inch touch screen that enables pinch and swipe gestures.

Powerful, fuel-efficient and refined powertrains include Ford’s 210PS bi-turbo TDCi diesel for the Ford Edge Vignale, and 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for the Ford Kuga Vignale. Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) is delivered as standard for the Ford Edge Vignale and is offered for the Ford Kuga Vignale, delivering a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road.

Refinement is further enhanced for the Ford Edge Vignale with Ford Active Noise Control, which directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise and improve cabin ambience.

“Our Ford Vignale range speaks directly to the growing trend for upmarket SUVs and represents the very best of Ford with luxurious design, materials and craftsmanship,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “We see great potential to extend the top end of our Ford product range and offer a special experience that meets the growing expectations of our customers.”

The percentage of SUVs sold in the UK in 2015 rose over 25 per cent to 642,194 compared with 2014 sales. Over 80 per cent of the 32,944 Kugas sold in 2015 were high-specification Titanium models, indicating high demand for luxury variants in the SUV segment.

Ford Kuga Vignale

Based on the sophisticated new Ford Kuga, the Ford Kuga Vignale is offered in exclusive specifications including the unique Vignale pearlescent Milano Grigio exterior colour influenced by rose metallic tones. Further detailing includes dark gloss effect finishes for the front and rear skid plates, door appliques and boot trim. The signature Vignale hexagonal grille design features at the front.

The upmarket character of the Ford Kuga Vignale interior is heightened with unique hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors, offered in signature Cashmere colour. The upscale leather treatment also extends to the instrument panel.

Advanced Ford Kuga Vignale technologies include Ford’s Perpendicular Parking that helps drivers park hands free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Hands-Free Liftgate for simplified access to the luggage compartment.

Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment, including a Weather-Dependent Lighting mode that automatically adjusts headlights to help drivers spot roadside hazards in extreme heavy rain.

Powerful and fuel-efficient Ford Kuga Vignale powertrain options include:

• 150PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost six-speed manual front-wheel drive (FWD) offering 44.8mpg and 145g/km CO₂ **
• 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost six-speed automatic AWD offering 37.7mpg and 173g/km CO₂
• 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual FWD offering 60.1mpg and 122g/km CO₂, six-speed manual AWD offering 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO₂, or six-speed PowerShift AWD offering 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO₂
• 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual AWD offering 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO₂, or six-speed PowerShift AWD offering 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO₂

Ford Edge Vignale

The stylish and contemporary Ford Edge Vignale features carefully executed exterior detailing for enhanced exclusivity, including bespoke chrome-finish fog lamps, signature Ford Vignale hexagonal upper grille design with dark matte finish and polished aluminium surround, and 19-inch polished aluminium wheels. Unique exterior colours include rich metallic brown Vignale Ametista Scura.

The refined interior delivers hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors, offered in light Cashmere or dark Ebony colours. Leather extends to the central armrest and storage console, and to the instrument panel, which features a woven aluminium applique on the passenger side.

“Ford Vignale design exudes sophistication and premium sportiness,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “For customers, Ford Vignale is a more individualistic way to enjoy luxury and express your style.”

Refinement is enhanced with Ford Active Noise Control,* which uses three microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin to monitor engine noise in the interior, and directs opposing sound waves through the audio system to cancel out engine noise and improve cabin ambience.

Additional technologies designed to help reduce stress for drivers include Front Wide-View Camera–which can see around corners even when drivers cannot to potentially help avert collisions; Blind Spot Information System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Alert.

The Ford Edge Vignale is offered with two powerful diesel powertrains; 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed PowerShift AWD and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi six-speed manual AWD. Both deliver 47.9mpg and 152g/km CO₂.

Advanced technologies for comfort and security

All Ford Vignale models deliver as standard the Ford’s SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system that delivers faster performance and features a redesigned 8‑inch touch screen enabling pinch and swipe gestures for the first time. Ford has drawn on more than 22,000 customer comments, and insights gained from research clinics and surveys to ensure the new version is the most user-friendly system to date.

SYNC 3 delivers faster performance, simplified commands, and supports five additional languages. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafés, petrol stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels.

Drivers can operate SYNC 3’s 8-inch touchscreen in the same way that they use their smartphones. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

iPhone users can activate Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car allowing drivers to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions, and more while they stay focused on the road. Android™ users can activate Android Auto™. Android Auto makes apps and services that drivers already know and love, accessible in safer and seamless ways including Google Search, Google Maps and Google Play. Software can be updated over-the-air via Wi-Fi.

Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive system delivers a seamless transition of torque between all four wheels to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds – twenty times quicker than it takes to blink.

Meticulous testing

Each Ford Vignale vehicle is individually tailored to customer specification, and manufactured using a process that blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The latest laser and camera technology supports the artisan’s trained eye in closely examining every aspect of a Vignale vehicle from bodyshell and panel alignment to paint finish.

Passionate about precision and attention to detail, experts spend more than two hours hand‑polishing the paintwork to create the perfect high-gloss finish; and also carefully scrutinise thefine detailing and stitching of individual laser-cut pieces of leather trim fitted to each seat.

Vignale models undergo 100 additional quality checks, and at Ford’s production facility in Valencia, Spain, ostrich feathers – each measuring up to 76 centimetres in length and weighing less than 3 grams – are used to remove tiny dust particles from the Ford Vignale bodywork immediately before painting, resulting in an even smoother finish.

Expanded Ford Vignale range

The new Ford Kuga Vignale and Ford Edge Vignale upscale sport utility vehicles expand the Ford Vignale portfolio to four models, following the introduction of the Ford Mondeo Vignale four-door and wagon in 2015, and Ford S-MAX Vignale seven-seat sports activity vehicle earlier this year.

The Ford Vignale model range is available to order at FordStores across Europe, and at customers’ Ford retailer of choice. FordStores incorporate dedicated Vignale Lounges that deliver a personalised purchase experience supported by a Vignale Relationship Manager. Ford already has established 360 FordStores and expects to complete its roll-out of 400 early next year.

Ford also offers a dedicated lifestyle service that helps Ford Vignale customers across Europe efficiently arrange travel, event and lifestyle activities. Delivered in partnership with Total Management – a global event, lifestyle and travel agency – the service offers a carefully selected collection of experiences to Ford Vignale customers.

Additional customer benefits offered by Ford Vignale include the Vignale Service smartphone app for Apple and Android™ operating systems. The app delivers a direct link to online lifestyle content from the Vignale Magazine, in addition to offering driving tips and information; a dealership locator; and GPS-enabled services including Ford Vignale Park Me, fuel stations locator, and a one-touch connection with emergency services or Ford Vignale One Call. 

Customers can now use Ford’s new dedicated Ford Vignale Internet destination and online configurator to explore pricing and options – including the new design options introduced earlier this year that enable customers to further personalise the exterior styling of Ford Vignale models.

“Our customers have high aspirations, and they want more from Ford. On some vehicles, our top-of-the-line Titanium specifications make up 70 per cent of all sales,” said Jim Farley, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “With Ford Vignale, we can offer them the absolute best of Ford in terms of luxury and personal service.”

Ford UK adds another model to it's expanding ST-Line range, The New Kuga is the latest model to join this exclusive group.

• Ford Kuga ST-Line SUV offering bold styling and sporty driving dynamics on sale from 1^st September
• Part of Ford’s technologically advanced new Kuga, upscale Ford Kuga Vignale, compact EcoSport and all-new Edge SUV family
• Ford Performance-inspired Kuga ST-Line joins Fiesta ST-Line, Focus ST-Line and Mondeo ST-Line with sports styling, powerful and efficient engines at attractive price

Ford has announced a new Kuga ST-Line version of the popular mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV) on sale later this year, offering sporty styling inspired by Ford Performance models, alongside powerful and efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines as well as sports-tuned driving dynamics.

The new Kuga ST-Line will feature among Ford’s expanded SUV range and the most comprehensive Kuga line-up ever, including the sophisticated new Kuga and the upscale Ford KugaVignale, as well as the compact EcoSport and large all-new Edge. 

New Kuga prices will start from £20,845 and Kuga ST-Line prices from £25,845 for delivery by the end of this year.

Kuga ST-Line delivers bold exterior and interior styling including unique alloy wheels and sport seat designs; powertrains including Ford’s 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol with Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD); and a sports chassis with specially tuned suspension and steering.

“With our sporty Kuga ST-Line joining the new Kuga and our upscale Ford Kuga Vignale, Ford will offer a Kuga for every lifestyle,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “We predict sales of 200,000 Ford Kuga, EcoSport and Edge SUVs in Europe this year – up by 200 per cent from 2013.”

Ford’s expanded range of SUVs in Europe meets increasing demand among European car buyers. The percentage of SUVs sold in Europe compared with total car sales has grown from six per cent in 2005 to 23 per cent in 2015.* 

This is expected to increase to 27 per cent by 2020, according to industry sales analyst IHS, fuelled by growing popularity with an unusually diverse group of buyers, according to a recent Ford survey.

Nearly one in three “Modern Mums”, mothers with young kids, are considering an SUV for their next car, as are one in four Millennials (17- to 34-years-olds); and one in five “Quintastics” (active and youthful buyers in their fifties), according to the Ford-sponsored survey of 5,000 people in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain who own a car or who intend to buy one in the next 12 months.**

New Kuga ST-Line

Kuga ST-Line delivers Ford Performance-inspired styling that includes:

• Upper grille finished in high-gloss Ebony Black; honeycomb design for the lower front grille in high-gloss Ebony Black with unique, matching sports mesh finish on the fog lamp bezels
• Front skid plate, side-skirts, mirror caps, door handles, door cladding, rear roof spoiler and wheel arches in body colour; high-gloss Ebony Black rear skid plate; black roof rails; tinted front and rear lights; and privacy glass
• A black beltline beneath the windows and ST-Line exterior badging on the front fenders
• A choice of unique new 18in high-gloss black alloys wheels with a bright machined surface or 19in alloy wheels in Ebony Black
• Unique sport seat design in partial leather; contrasting stitching for the seats, gear lever gaiter and steering wheel; special two-layer metallic-effect Deep Space paint on the centre console; and black headliner

The new Kuga ST-Line will offer the sportiest Kuga driving dynamics yet, with chassis enhancements including thicker anti-roll bars and a 10mm lower ride height for reduced body roll and sharper responses.

Stiffer suspension bushes help to reduce unwanted movement in the suspension system, while spring and damper rates are fine-tuned to deliver comfort and performance. Ford’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering system also features a revised calibration to deliver a tighter, more responsive and sporty feel.

“Ford ST-Line models are designed to deliver a fun to drive experience, and we placed a strong focus on ensuring that Ford’s first performance-orientated SUV in Europe offered the same driving characteristics as the Fiesta ST-Line, Focus ST-Line and Mondeo ST-Line models”, said Frederick Vrancken, Kuga ST-Line vehicle dynamics engineer, Ford of Europe.

The full range of Kuga powertrains will be offered, including Ford’s 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine that replaces the outgoing 120PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel – expected to enhance fuel efficiency to 64.2mpg and deliver up to 115g/km CO_2.***

Also available will be a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with 150PS and either front-wheel drive or Ford Intelligent AWD, offering from 60.1 mpg and 122g/km CO₂; and 180PS with Intelligent AWD homologated to 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO₂.

Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 120PS or 150PS front-wheel drive form is expected to achieve from 45.6mpg and 143g/km CO₂; and a 182PS Intelligent AWD version from 38.2mpg) and 171g/km CO₂.

In addition to the new Kuga ST-Line, SUV customers in Europe will later this year be able to order the stylish and sophisticated new Kuga that offers technologies and updates to make driving simpler, safer, more enjoyable and more affordable, including Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system.

Kuga Vignale

A new upscale Ford Kuga Vignale also will be offered for the first time. The production version of the meticulously crafted SUV recently was revealed in pearlescent-metallic Vignale Milano Grigio exterior colour with Cashmere leather interior trim as part of an exclusive specification.

Expanding ST-Line range

The new Kuga ST-Line joins the Fiesta ST-Line, Focus ST-Line and Mondeo ST-Line as part of Ford’s new range of ST-Line models that offer bold styling, sporty driving dynamics and great value.

Fiesta ST-Line is priced at £15,645, Focus ST-Line from £20,595 and newly announced Mondeo ST-Line, first shown at last month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, is available from £24,745.  These three ST-Lines can be ordered now for early autumn delivery.

Ford introduces the Fiesta and Focus ST-Line, all the looks and power for reasonable costs.

• Ford launches new ST-Line range of models inspired by Ford Performance vehicles and featuring bold styling, sporty driving dynamics and great value
• Fiesta ST-Line and Focus ST-Line are available to order now with sport suspension, unique body kits and alloy wheel designs; sport seats, steering wheel and interior details
• Powerful engine options include multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost with up to 140PS for Fiesta ST-Line; 1.5-litre EcoBoost with up to 182PS for Focus ST-Line
• Further two ST-Line models to follow before the end of the year

Ford today announced a new ST-Line model range for Europe, featuring vehicles with sporty styling inspired by Ford Performance and offering a range of powerful and efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains.

ST-Line launches with the Fiesta ST-Line – priced from £15,645 – and Focus ST‑Line – priced from £20,595 – both available to order now.

Delivering bold exterior and interior designs inspired by Ford’s acclaimed Fiesta ST and Focus ST performance models, the new Focus ST-Line and Fiesta ST‑Line are designed for customers who aspire to the sporty image of Ford’s ST models – but do not require the full performance delivered by optimised ST engines and chassis with sports technologies.

Both Focus ST-Line and Fiesta ST‑Line are offered with a range of powerful engines including Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine; sport suspension and body styling; unique alloy wheel designs; and sport seats, sport steering wheel and alloy pedals for the interior.

“With our new ST-Line range even more customers can experience sporty style and driving dynamics inspired by our most exciting Ford Performance line-up ever, that includes models such as the Focus RS, new Fiesta ST200 and Ford GT supercar” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “This year we expect to sell 40,000 performance cars in Europe, a 50 per cent increase compared with 2015, which in turn saw performance car sales rise by 61 per cent compared with 2014.”

Sporty styling

Available in 3-door and 5-door bodystyles, the Fiesta ST-Line is a sporty new addition to the UK’s best-selling car. The 5-door and estate Focus ST-Line models further enhance the appeal of the popular family car.

Ford ST-Line models deliver ST-inspired styling that includes:

• A honeycomb design for the trapezoidal front grille; fog lamps with dark surrounds; and a front bumper lip spoiler for Fiesta ST Line and bumper insert for Focus ST-Line
• A rear diffuser element and large rear roof spoiler for both models
• A black beltline beneath the windows, deep side-skirts and ST-Line exterior badging on the front wings
• Unique 17in alloy wheels for Fiesta ST-Line and Focus ST-Line, both in Rock Metallic Grey
• Sport seats with red stitching and a perforated leather ST-style steering wheel with grey stitching
• ST-style gear knob, a dark woven headliner, and ST-Line scuff plates

Powerful and efficient engines

The new Ford ST-Line models are available only with high-power engine derivatives that complement the enhanced driving dynamics delivered by sport suspension – lowered by 10mm.

The Fiesta ST-Line is offered with petrol engine options including:

• 100PS and 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines with five-speed manual transmission delivering 99g/km CO₂emissions and 65.7mpg fuel efficiency**
• 140PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost with five‑speed manual transmission delivering 104g/km CO₂ and 62.8mpg

Also offered for Fiesta ST-Line is Ford’s 95PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel with five-speed manual transmission, offering 94g/km CO₂ and 78.5mpg.

The Focus ST-Line is offered with petrol powertrains ranging from 125PS to 182PS and with six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, including:

• 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivering from 108g/km CO₂ and 60.1mpg
• 150PS and 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost delivering from 127g/km CO₂ and 51.4mpg

Ford’s 1.5-litre TDCi diesel produces 120PS delivering 99g/km CO₂ and 74.3mpg; or 2.0-litre TDCi with 150PS delivering from 105g/km CO₂ and 70.6mpg are available on the Focus ST-Line with six-speed manual and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmissions.

Focus ST-Line will also feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters when an automatic transmission is specified.

“The new Fiesta ST-Line and Focus ST-Line will offer customers a chance to enjoy the famous fun-to-drive characteristics and great looks of Ford’s performance models in an exciting and affordable package with a broad range of petrol and diesel engines – and we will be introducing two further models later in the year,” de Waard said.

** The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO₂ emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. 

The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and electric range. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.