2022 Ford Fiesta ST revealed: Toyota GR Yaris, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Hyundai i20 N rival gets more torque and technology with facelift

Ford has revealed the facelifted version of the current-generation Fiesta ST, with the new baby hot hatch set to enter Australian showrooms in the first quarter of next year with more torque and technology than its predecessor.

The big news is the Fiesta ST’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine now produces up to 320Nm of torque (+30Nm), although peak power remains at 147kW, with it delivered to the front wheels via a carryover six-speed manual transmission and a Quaife mechanical limited-slip differential.

There’s no word yet on the effect the increased output has on the Fiesta ST’s zero-to-100km/h sprint time, but the pre-facelift model had a claim of 6.7 seconds, so expect it to be bettered.

Read More About Ford Fiesta

New Ford Fiesta ST 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Increased cost and performance for baby hot hatch Ford Fiesta news and reviews

When the Fiesta ST is tearing it up on the streets or track, the facelift will stand out from the crowd thanks to its new front fascia, which is highlighted by a larger grille (with the repositioned ‘Ford’ badge) as well as redesigned bonnet and bumper. The headlights have also been overhauled, sitting flatter and offering adaptive Matrix LEDs for the first time.

Meanwhile, the side is punctuated by a fresh set of 18-inch alloy wheels finished in Magnetite, and the only change to the rear end is to the tail-lights, which now have black surrounds. Boundless Blue and Mean Green are new paintwork options, by the way.

Inside, the Fiesta ST has added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as fresh front ‘performance’ seats with integrated headrests and 14-way driver adjustment, black Sensico artificial leather upholstery with red stitching, and matte carbon-fibre trim.

The Toyota GR Yaris, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Hyundai i20 N rival’s advanced driver-assist systems have expanded to include active blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, Local Hazard Information and Rear Occupant Alert.

Other standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen Sync3 multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, satellite navigation with live traffic, a 575W Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system with 10 speakers, and wireless smartphone charging.

Pricing and full specification details for the facelifted Fiesta ST will be released closer to its launch. For reference, the pre-facelift model is priced from $32,290 plus on-road costs.