Ford releases sporty Fiesta ST 500 in UK

To wrap up the current generation of Fiesta, Ford UK have released the limited-edition Fiesta ST 500 which promises sharper handling and edgier styling over the regular Fiesta compact car.

The engine is still the same 110kW 2-litre inline four that powers the standard Fiesta ST and all the other goodies that make the ST so enjoyable are also present: the lower and stiffer suspension, the quicker steering ratio and the short-shifter equipped close-ratio gearbox. The ST 500 adds a set of black 17-inch rims, red brake calipers, faux carbon-fibre interior trim, leather trim, a Sony stereo and some exterior graphics that are intended to echo those of the Escort RS2000.

Sure, you could probably do the exact same thing to a regular ST with a couple of cans of spray paint and a call to your local vinyl cutter, but if you're a real sucker for those collectible end-of-production special editions then you can pick up an ST 500 of your very own for a cool £15,000. Be warned though as there'll only be 500 made (hence the '500' in the name) and it's a Britain-only model, restricting this hot hatch to those in the Mother Country.

The all-new Mk7 Fiesta is due to hit the market in Europe later this year.

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