Two captivating factors the Fiesta ST offers performance enthusiasts [video]

Performance enthusiasts around the globe are reaping the benefits of what Ford engineers have designed into the new 2014 Ford Fiesta and Focus ST models. Ford is being recognized for two driving dynamics in the performance STs and have won two awards at the 2013 Vehicle Dynamics International (VDI) Awards in Europe. Ford won the Dynamics Team of the Year and Dynamicist of the Year. Why should performance enthusiasts around the globe care about the two awards?

Two important driving dynamics

The jury of 29 automotive journalists from around the world drove many cars and chose the new 2014 Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST from among all of them and praise two important driving dynamics. The jury praised steering feel and precision of the ST models. These two things give the ST performance models the kind of precision handling that drivers around the globe are looking for.

The new 2014 Fiesta ST was developed by Ford Team RS, which is the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group. Ford Team RS tuned the powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes for maximum driving dynamics for performance enthusiasts around the globe. The hot hatch also features performance goodies previously found in larger performance cars, That includes enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) and 3-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six-speed manual transmission and rear disc brakes.

Signature steering feel and precision on the ST

The Ford vehicle dynamics department won the awards for the development of other Ford vehicles including the new B-MAX, all-new Kuga, Ford Team RS vehicle dynamics specialist David Put is the one who won the award for his work on the Focus ST and new Fiesta ST. The jury of automotive journalists from around the world hailed the team’s work “stand-out in all segments”, with vehicles that are “subtle, responsive, and an absolute pleasure to drive”, and Put’s contribution as offering “signature steering feel and precision”.

Those are two driving dynamics that performance enthusiasts can feel immediately upon getting behind the wheel of the new Fiesta ST and Focus ST. The jury from 19 countries knows performance cars and performance buyers around the globe are looking for exceptional ride and handling. “Ford has put ride and handling at the heart of vehicle development for many years now, regardless of whether the car is a practical MPV or a desirable hot-hatch,” said Graham Heeps, editor, Vehicle Dynamics International. “Our jury now includes journalists from 19 countries; their votes prove Ford is reaping the benefit of this approach in markets right around the world.”

Performance by design

Ford Team RS is all about delivering very dynamic behavior and driving pleasure. And they delivered again with the new 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and Ford Focus ST models. “Giving a car the highest possible fun-to-drive factor is both challenging and rewarding,” said Put. “You know you have the formula right when you can’t stop driving a vehicle – and you spend the whole day smiling.”

The new 2014 Ford Fiesta ST is the fastest small car on the planet and has recently gone on sale in Europe and features a tuned suspension, steering and brakes for optimized driving dynamics and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control, which applies brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. All this leads to improved road holding and the kind of driving dynamics performance enthusiasts around the globe are looking for. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Watch the Ford Fiesta ST vs legendary Lommel Track 7 video.