T
he Fiesta is an important car for
Malcolm Wilson OBE and his
M-Sport rally team. It’s their
most successful global rally car,
with more than 250 examples of the
outgoing Fiesta R5 in competition, so the
announcement of a new R5 is a big deal. And
this is no gentle evolution of the formula, but
a comprehensive clean-sheet design. The
1.6-litre EcoBoost, wearing the 32mm
restrictor mandated by the regulations, puts
out a competitive 295bhp and 350lb.ft, and
it’s got the top-flight chassis with which toNEWS
See what’s going down in
the world of fast Fords...
M-SPORT LAUNCH T WO
NEW FIESTA RALLY CARS
deploy it: all-new Macpherson struts work
with redesigned Reiger three-way dampers,
their aluminium bodies saving crucial weight.
Forged Brembo four-pots provide mighty
stopping power, and the new Sadev
sequential gearbox works in harmony with
hardcore front and rear diff units. “We have
taken our time to ensure this new model is
even better, with performance gains in every
area,” said Wilson. “The test programme has
been extensive, and we have worked hard to
ensure this new car suits every level of
driver. We have quite literally travelled theworld – testing on a wide range of surfaces,
in varying conditions, and with a whole host
of drivers taking the wheel. This car is
extremely important to us, and its
adaptability is vital to its success.”
Alongside the R5, M-Sport has also
introduced the new Fiesta R1. This is based
on the roadgoing ST-Line, and acts as the
ideal car for people beginning a career
in rallying. The 999cc EcoBoost delivers
150bhp and 148lb.ft, and the spec is as
headline-grabbing as you’d expect from
M-Sport: Sadev sequential ’box, plate-type
LSD, and adjustable Bilstein dampers with
Eibach springs. This is the second model to
be developed at M-Sport Poland’s Krakow
headquarters. “As the first step on the
ladder, the Fiesta R1 is the perfect car for
those first starting out in a career in rally,”
said M-Sport Poland director Maciek Woda.
“It’s in this car that the stars of the future
learn the skills that can take them to the very
highest level. The same car can be easily
upgraded to the latest R2 specification when
ready, before progressing to the Ford Fiesta
R5 and maybe even WRC!”
Expect to see these new motorsport
Fiesta models dominating their respective
classes in the very near future.T
he arrival of a new ST model
is always cause for
excitement, and the 2019
Focus ST is every bit as
intriguing as we’d hoped. As with previous
models, the box-fresh ST has been
designed to combine track day thrills,
B-road chuckability, and everyday usability
in one attractive (and thoroughlyTHE NE W FOCUS ST IS HERE!
tuneable!) package. Highlights of the model
include a choice of fiery engines (276bhp 2.
petrol, or 187bhp EcoBlue diesel), electronic
LSD, rev-matching on the 6-speed short-
shift, Continuously Controlled Damping, and
selectable drive modes. You also get Recaro
seats, 330mm front brakes, and anti-lag tech
from the GT supercar. Read our full
road-test and review on p24.SEPTEMBER 2019 FAS T FOR DȭѴT
he Fiesta is an important car for
Malcolm Wilson OBE and his
M-Sport rally team. It’s their
most successful global rally car,
with more than 250 examples of the
outgoing Fiesta R5 in competition, so the
announcement of a new R5 is a big deal. And
this is no gentle evolution of the formula, but
a comprehensive clean-sheet design. The
1.6-litre EcoBoost, wearing the 32mm
restrictor mandated by the regulations, puts
out a competitive 295bhp and 350lb.ft, and
it’s got the top-flight chassis with which toNEWS
See what’s going down in
the world of fast Fords...
M-SPORT LAUNCH T WO
NEW FIESTA RALLY CARS
deploy it: all-new Macpherson struts work
with redesigned Reiger three-way dampers,
their aluminium bodies saving crucial weight.
Forged Brembo four-pots provide mighty
stopping power, and the new Sadev
sequential gearbox works in harmony with
hardcore front and rear diff units. “We have
taken our time to ensure this new model is
even better, with performance gains in every
area,” said Wilson. “The test programme has
been extensive, and we have worked hard to
ensure this new car suits every level of
driver. We have quite literally travelled theworld – testing on a wide range of surfaces,
in varying conditions, and with a whole host
of drivers taking the wheel. This car is
extremely important to us, and its
adaptability is vital to its success.”
Alongside the R5, M-Sport has also
introduced the new Fiesta R1. This is based
on the roadgoing ST-Line, and acts as the
ideal car for people beginning a career
in rallying. The 999cc EcoBoost delivers
150bhp and 148lb.ft, and the spec is as
headline-grabbing as you’d expect from
M-Sport: Sadev sequential ’box, plate-type
LSD, and adjustable Bilstein dampers with
Eibach springs. This is the second model to
be developed at M-Sport Poland’s Krakow
headquarters. “As the first step on the
ladder, the Fiesta R1 is the perfect car for
those first starting out in a career in rally,”
said M-Sport Poland director Maciek Woda.
“It’s in this car that the stars of the future
learn the skills that can take them to the very
highest level. The same car can be easily
upgraded to the latest R2 specification when
ready, before progressing to the Ford Fiesta
R5 and maybe even WRC!”
Expect to see these new motorsport
Fiesta models dominating their respective
classes in the very near future.T
he arrival of a new ST model
is always cause for
excitement, and the 2019
Focus ST is every bit as
intriguing as we’d hoped. As with previous
models, the box-fresh ST has been
designed to combine track day thrills,
B-road chuckability, and everyday usability
in one attractive (and thoroughlyTHE NE W FOCUS ST IS HERE!
tuneable!) package. Highlights of the model
include a choice of fiery engines (276bhp 2.
petrol, or 187bhp EcoBlue diesel), electronic
LSD, rev-matching on the 6-speed short-
shift, Continuously Controlled Damping, and
selectable drive modes. You also get Recaro
seats, 330mm front brakes, and anti-lag tech
from the GT supercar. Read our full
road-test and review on p24.SEPTEMBER 2019 FAS T FOR DȭѴ