New Ford Fiesta ST gets limited-slip differential and clever new suspension technology

Ford has revealed that the new Fiesta ST will get a limited-slip differential and a newly patented suspension technology as it fights to outperform its much-loved predecessor.

The previous generation hot supermini was widely regarded by the motoring press to be one of the best affordable drivers’ cars on the market while on sale between 2013 and 2017, so the updated version has been eagerly anticipated – and Ford is clearly not pulling any punches when it comes to surpassing the old model.

The system is common on larger, more expensive hot hatches, but is incredibly rare in the fast supermini segment. Ford says it works in tandem with the company’s ‘torque vectoring control’ system, which uses the brakes to slow the inside wheel in corners to reduce understeer.

“We’ve tuned the all-new Fiesta ST’s mechanical LSD option to work seamlessly with enhanced torque vectoring control to deliver the best possible natural traction without ‘burning away’ excess torque with brake interventions.”

Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 197bhp and 250Nm of torque. To make the most of the performance, the Fiesta ST gets a new launch control system, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds, while the top speed is 144mph.