The hot Fiesta ST takes a step closer with this Chinese show special. ( AE )
The Fiesta has made its Chinese debut - and at the same time, Ford has given us the best look yet at the hot ST version!
Badged the Fiesta S, this racy five-door model drew plenty of crowds at the Beijing Motor Show, with a host of visual extras to mark it out from the regular version. But more importantly, it previews the forthcoming ST.
At the front, the S gets redesigned headlights, spotlights integrated into the gaping grille and a lower splitter. Lowered side skirts, a roof spoiler and sporty alloys complete the look.
Inside, the Fiesta S isn't quite as exciting with a regular cabin, focused on luxury. Although Ford is remaining tight-lipped about the possibility of an ST model, it'll certainly look very similar to the S - except in three-door form.
Power is likely to come from a turbocharged 1.6-litre powerplant with around 175bhp, while the suspension set-up will be lowered and stiffened. Expect to see the ST in 2009.