The new Ford Fiesta ST is getting an eco-boost for Geneva

One of the best handling and entertaining compact hot hatchbacks is getting an environmentally-minded makeover for the upcoming Geneva motor show.

Indeed, when the third-generation Fiesta ST debuts on March 9 it will do so with one cylinder fewer than the outgoing model. The 2017 Fiesta ST is going to have a tiny 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine under its vented hood. However, that engine is of the Ford EcoBoost variety and that means that it will not be lacking for power.

Thanks to clever turbocharging, the car will still be able to output 197bhp, a very healthy 290Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of just 6.7 seconds.

What's more it will be the first Fiesta ST with selective cylinder deactivation (for further fuel saving) and with a selection of three drive modes so that the car can be more sporty or more responsible depending on the mood and the road ahead in normal conditions or on those occasions when it's on a track or circuit.

"Next generation Fiesta ST customers will benefit from innovations developed by Ford Performance for the Ford GT supercar and Focus RS hot hatchback, including high power EcoBoost and Drive Mode technologies," said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. "Working as one unified Ford Performance team helps us better deliver our core fun-to-drive experience -- and democratize sophisticated performance-enhancing features -- for every customer."