Three-cylinder power for next-gen Ford Fiesta ST

Ford is set to introduce an all-new engine for its next-generation Fiesta ST hot hatch.

The new model, set to make its official debut at the Geneva motor show next week, represents a significant departure from its predecessor.

Setting aside the current model's 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, the new model is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit that matches the 147kW and 290Nm peaks of the previous car.

Ford says the new ST reaches 100km/h in 6.7 seconds ? 0.2s faster than the older version ? but the more impressive figure is likely to come at the petrol pump.

Capable of deactivating one cylinder to run as a 1.0-litre twin under light load, Ford says its Volkswagen Polo GTI rival can return fuel figures of less than 5L/100km. It also sounds more interesting than most four-cylinder cars, with an off-beat three-cylinder thrum that follows less-focused efforts from Mini and Peugeot.

The car joins Ford's Focus RS by introducing new driving modes with Normal, Sport and Track settings that affect its engine, steering and stability control behaviour ? though the Fiesta's front-wheel-drive layout means Drift Mode is off the menu.

Prospective owners may also be tempted by new 18-inch wheels, increased personalisation potential and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pumping through a high-end Bang & Olufsen stereo. The interior will also be home to Recaro sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

On sale in Europe this year in three-door and five-door form, the model is on Ford's Australia's radar for a local debut soon.

• For all the latest info, visit our Ford showroom

See the new Fiesta ST in action in Ford's official debut video: