M-Sport tuned Ford Fiesta ST revealed

The Ford Fiesta ST has been boosted to 158kW and given a limited-slip differential as part of an M-Sport pack – but BMW has nothing to do with it.

M-Sport create rally-spec Fiesta and Focus models in the UK, in partnership with Ford of Europe. It is now turning its attention to road cars, with the Fiesta ST M-Sport Edition first off the line complete with livery from competition cars.

The 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder scores a Mountune MR215 performance kit, producing as the name suggests, 215hp or 158kW in addition to 320Nm – a handy increase on the 134kW/240Nm production model.

In our September 2015 issue we tested a Mountune MR230 kit that is available locally for $4980 and offers about 170kW, although it is unclear whether M-Sport will also offer that higher output.

Bigger news with the Fiesta ST M-Sport Edition is the addition of a Quaife front limited-slip differential to go along with Z Superturismo LM 17-inch matt graphite alloy wheels and sticky rubber.

An optional ‘handling pack’ adds Bilstein monotube struts and Eibach springs to the little German-made three-door hatch.

Brake discs move from the 278mm standard units to 332mm, complemented by Alcon calipers and Goodridge braided hoses, while the exhaust comes from the same outfit that fits up the Fiesta WRC car.

Inside changes include a carbonfibre-insert over the gearknob and Nappa leather/Alcantara steering wheel. Each Fiesta ST M-Sport Edition is also individually numbered.

“Our first road car project will soon be available,” confirmed M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson, pointing to a sadly UK-only on-sale.

“It’s a proper hot hatch with a Quaife differential in the gearbox as well as a host of other well thought out options and additions supplied by our valued trade partners. It looks fantastic and it really does go as well as it looks!”

The Fiesta ST is already one of our favourite hot-hatches, however these tasteful modifications we reckon would really uncover the little Ford’s true potential – all it needs now is an RS badge and an export program.

Click here to read the full range review of the Ford Fiesta.