Ford Fiesta ST

When Ford showed the Fiesta ST Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, we all knew it was only a matter of time before a production model made its debut. And one year later, at this year's 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, that is exactly what is happening as Ford has announced the new 2014 Fiesta ST hot hatchback.

Since we know you are already excited, we'll just get right to it: under the hood you'll find a 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, rated at 132kW of power and 290Nm of torque. Thanks to the EcoBoost technology, 240Nm of torque is available from just 1600 rpm, with the maximum 290Nm occurring at just 3500 rpm.

The power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission with no automatic or dual-clutch transmission option available. And that power doesn't come with a huge dent at the fuel pump, either, since the Fiesta ST still gets an estimated 6.9L/100km on the highway.

The Fiesta ST takes a similar styling approach as the larger Focus ST, as it will only be available as a five-door hatchback with a unique front and rear fascia. Up front, there's a honeycomb grille and chin spoiler, while out back there's a rear diffuser and fascia extensions. Dual chrome exhaust tips peek out from the rear bumper, and a high-mounted rear spoiler finishes off the body kit. Unique 17-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells and attention-grabbing Molten Orange tri-coat metallic paint is available.

Suspension gets upgraded with modified front knuckles, which help achieve a quicker steering ratio of 13:6:1. Ford also increased the stiffness of the rear axle, improving stability through flat corners. The Fiesta ST is 15mm lower than the base model, and features electronic torque-vectoring. The stability control can be completely disabled for track-day fun, and there's a new sport mode that offers up a reasonable compromise for street driving.

Ford is quick to note the new Fiesta ST has more power than both the Mini Cooper S and Chevrolet Sonic RS, but will these models actually be cross shopped? Time will tell.