Launched in 2008, the current Ford Fiesta soldiered on relatively unchanged until 2013, when it received a comprehensive facelift. The revised hatchback was the first Ford to use the new trapezoidal grille, now seen on the Fusion, Mustang and Focus models too, but the update also brought the performance-oriented ST model into dealerships. The ST was followed by the mildly enhanced ST200 in 2016 and word has it Ford is also planning to launch a Fiesta RS in the future.

However, the RS has been an on and off thing in 2016, with several reports also dismissing the range-topping version. However, customers looking for a more potent version of the ST got a few new options from tuning shops. The most recent upgrade comes from Mountune, which developed a performance kit that will add 80 ponies to the car's already impressive 192-horsepower rating. Also, the folks from Tucci Hot Rods built their own hot-rodded version of the ST for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Granted, it's a bit awkward to see a Fiesta ST tuned by a company otherwise known for creating hot rods and beefed-up versions of classic Mustangs, Fords, and Cadillacs, but it's definitely a breath of fresh air with so few American shops giving the subcompact the attention it deserves. And, needless to say, Tucci's take on the Fiesta ST is exciting to say the least.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Fiesta ST by Tucci Hot Rods.

Exterior

Although it's nothing more than a rendering as of this writing, the custom build appears to be an extreme interpretation of the Fiesta ST, mostly thanks to its wide body kit. With beefed-up wheel arches, 3D-printed vents on the engine hood and front bumper, and a massive roof wing, Tucci's hatchback looks more like a rally-spec car than a road-going vehicle. The Pure White paint by PPG also helps with the WRC-style appearance given that most rally prototypes are finished in white. The standard wheels have also been ditched for Forgeline CF1 20-inch rims wrapped in Falken RT615K tires.

Interior

Note: Interior of a standard Ford Fiesta ST pictured here.

The rally-inspired theme continues inside the cabin with a TMR roll cage with interlocking clamps and Sparco Pro seats with Hans harnesses. The dashboard received a Racepak IQ3S display, which includes four display screens that display turn, high beam, and park indictors, as well as odometer, speedometer fuel level, and GSP speed inputs. The interior is rounded off by a Kicker Audio L7QB8 unit, which is the only feature that does go with the race-inspired look.

Drivetrain

Tucci Hot Rods opted to keep the standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder that comes with the ST, but replaced the stock turbo unit with a turbo kit from Full-Race. The shop also added a custom exhaust with Borla muffler, a SPEC Stage 4 clutch, and a Mountune limited slip differential.

Although there's no output information as of this writing, it's safe to assume that the drivetrain pumps out more than the 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque you get straight from the dealership. I'd venture to say that this ST has nearly 300 horsepower on tap, which should translate into a spectacular 0-to-60 mph sprint. With the stock model good for 6.8 seconds, this beefed-up hatchback should achieve the benchmark in around 5.5 ticks.

The chassis also received its fair share of updates, including a JRI coilover suspension, Mountune lower chassis brace, Eibach sway bars, and Wilwood 6-piston brakes.

Conclusion

If you want a small and nimble hatchback to use around town during the week and take it for more spirited driving on backroads during the weekends, you really can't go wrong with the Fiesta ST. But if you're looking for something a bit more extreme, you can either wait for Ford to launch an RS version of the Fiesta, which might not happen if recent reports are any indication, or take it to Tucci Hot Rods and ask for a similar build. I have a feeling it won't be cheap, but you'll get a hatchback as quick as a Porsche Cayman for your hard-earned cash. And that's great deal if you ask me.