Ford Fiesta ST500 (2008): first official pictures

By Dimitri Pesin

First Official Pictures

10 June 2008 16:36

As we prepare to wave goodbye to the current Fiesta, Ford has released a special edition ST to keep interest in its hot-hatch alive. A hard job indeed, with the stunning looks of the Verve concept being carried through to the next-gen car.

It hasn't stopped Ford trying hard though and, following in the footsteps of the Focus ST500 that was released in 2008, all Fiesta ST 500 models come in metallic black with a U-shaped stripe on the front. According to Ford, the new scheme is designed to echo the livery of the classic Escort RS2000 of the ‘70s. Alongside the 'U' come matching stripes down the ST500's flanks.

Performance will be identical to the standard ST’s. So that’s 7.9sec to 60mph and a top speed of 129mph thanks to the 2.0-litre 148bhp engine. Other new editions to the ST500 are a 17-inch, 11-spoke black alloys, red brake calipers and a carbonfibre pattern interior with heated leather seats. It's all yours for £15,000, a £1000 premium over the standard car. See you in Southend on Saturday night.

By Dimitri Pesin