Ford’s next-generation Fiesta ST subcompact will lose a piston, but it will have all the power of its outgoing four-cylinder counterpart, and should be quicker in a straight-line sprint. The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine makes the same horsepower (197) as the outgoing turbocharged four-cylinder. But with less vehicle weight and advanced technologies, Ford says the new ST will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds, which is about a half second sooner than the outgoing model. It will also be the first production three-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation, shutting down one cylinder under light load conditions to aid fuel economy. It will have both port and direct fuel injection and variable cam timing.
3/4 front view
The new three-cylinder Fiesta ST is claimed to be quicker than the four-cylinder model that it replaces. (PHOTO: FORD)