2012 Ford Fiesta ST spy shots

Looking a bit like its higher-powered big brother - the new Ford Focus ST - the Fiesta ST takes on Ford's latest design language which showcases a wide-open front fascia and grille area. This will provide plenty of fresh air for various coolers and deep breaths for the engine.

It seems Ford is very serious about providing a true sports hot hatch with this test mule being pounded around the 'Ring for optimum development. This particular test car also appears to feature a six-point roll cage, which proves the test drivers have been given strict instructions to really get the most out of the car.

Although engine details aren't yet official, reports suggest the hot hatch will be powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing around 140kW of power. This will help it rival the likes of the Renault Clio 200 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h is expected to be under the six-second range, while a top speed of 240km/h is also on the cards.

The production car will include various track-ready components such as a sports suspension setup, six-speed manual transmission, uprated brakes with multi-piston calipers and a variety of cosmetic revisions which will help the body cut through the air.

The Ford Fiesta ST will be unveiled in 2012, after the Focus ST makes a debut at the end of this year.