Until now models like the Clio Renaultsport and Mini Cooper S have dominated the hot-hatch market. In late 2012 this will change. Spy shots confirm that the Ford Fiesta ST will make it from concept to production.

The hotly anticipated ST will launch in the UK with a 3dr body shell and will retain many of the design cues revealed in September at Frankfurt including, the distinctive gaping front grille and aggressively styled body-kit. The images shown are following testing in the USA

Underneath the boldly styled exterior will sit a 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine packing 178bhp and 240Nm of torque. Ford claim the Fiesta ST will be able to do 0-60 in less than 7 seconds and will have a top speed in excess of an eye-watering 140mph.

Unconfirmed as yet, it is expected that the Fiesta will feature many of the gadgets that are debuting on the Ford Focus ST, including a torque vectoring system, CUSC and three-stage ESP. All Ford will confirm presently is that the Fiesta will boast ‘tuned suspension technology’.

Launch of the Fiesta ST is planned for late 2012, but we will keep you posted on any developments and news of it’s arrival in our Lifestyle Ford Showrooms in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

All we can say at this moment is we cannot wait! It certainly looks like a stunning car and we are more than certain that its handling and performance will more than exceed expectation.