THE MOST POWERFUL Ford Fiesta yet, the Fiesta ST200, made its Irish debut last week as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the first Fiesta going on sale.
Held at Weston Airport, near Lucan, an event to mark the anniversary gathered some of Ireland’s oldest Fiestas (which then drove in convoy along the M4).
In addition to finding the oldest surviving Fiesta in Ireland, owners were treated to hot laps in the new ST200 with The (former) Stig, Ben Collins.
Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford in Ireland commented:
The Fiesta has been part and parcel of growing up in Ireland over the past 40 years with practically every household having its own connection with the car. What a great way for us to celebrate that rich legacy by crowning the oldest Fiesta in Ireland on the same day that we see, for the first time, the exciting all new Fiesta ST200 – the old and the new of Fiesta in one snapshot.
Since the Ford Fiesta first went on sale in Ireland back in 1976, over 180,000 examples have been sold, while globally in excess of 17 million have been purchased.
Speaking about the honour of being named owner of Ireland’s oldest Fiesta, John Egan said:
I am delighted that my car was named Ireland’s oldest Fiesta at today’s event – I have always loved the Ford Fiesta and as you can see with my car, it is a labour of love for me keeping the car in tip top condition. It was my ‘every day car’ up to quite recently, but now I only bring the car out to shows. Practically every weekend, it is on show somewhere in the country.
The Fiesta ST200 features a more uprated version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Power increases to 200hp, with a 15hp overboost function available for up to 20 seconds.
Torque has also been increased by 20 per cent to 290Nm. Despite the increase in power, it remains one of the best handling hot hatches on sale today.
Other bespoke features on the car include special ST200 badging, a unique Storm Grey paint colour and matt black five-spoke alloy wheels.
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