First exclusive drive in the all-new Ford Fiesta ST on the set of their TV advert
But the advert for their latest 197bhp pocket rocket was being filmed in one of Europe's largest salt mines, 1,200ft underground
FORD have launched an amazing TV advert for the equally amazing new Fiesta ST.
It was filmed 1,200ft underground in one of Europe’s largest salt mines.
How do I know?
Because I was one of only two motoring journalists who were chosen to watch the advert being made.
And I was lucky enough to get to drive the Fiesta ST around the mine, and take it for a blast in its usual habitat — on the open road.
Ford chose the secret salt mine, that was located, let’s just say, somewhere in Europe, as the perfect location for new TV advert that’s called Undertrack.
It would allow them to demonstrate how capable the new Fiesta ST is by putting it through its paces within the mine’s 40mile network of tunnels.
To get underground you have to hitch a lift in one of the companies fleet of Land Rover Defenders and travel down a long dark tunnel that’s like you’re staring deep into the abyss.
STARING INTO THE ABYSS:
This is the entrance into one of the largest salt mines in Europe with caves running for more than 30 miles and
up to 1,200ft underground. It’s been
in operation since the mid-1960s and extracts as much as 30,000 tonnes of
salt per week for use in Ireland, Scotland and the rest of the UK plus America.
The network of man-made tunnels that are left behind after blasting also became the perfect Fiesta race track.
All of the mining machinery stays underground permanently and on site there is a fully functioning garage, right.
The only vehicles that return to the surface is the fleet of Land Rover Defenders that ferry the workers to and from the mine face. They are the only machines that rust because it’s a steady 16°C underground but the humidity rises when you return to the surface.
You arrive into what looks like a scene from a Bond movie, and at some parts you can be as deep as 1,200ft.
The temperature is always a constant 16°C, the salt creates a natural barrier to keep water out so it’s always dry and dusty, but to keep us all safe and sound, a skeleton crew was used for the three-day shoot.
The idea behind the advert was simple — it starts with factory Ford World Rally Championship driver, Elfyn Evans at the wheel of the new Ford hot hatch.
He’s stuck in traffic, and even though the new ST gives you more control and power than ever you can’t always enjoy it in the city — but what about under it?
The camera pans underground and you get the see the salt mine, or Undertrack, in all its glory.
Elfyn was used for the filming in the city and some shots inside the car.
But all of the amazing stunt driving was carried out by British Rallycross champ Mark Higgins.
He’s a triple British Rally winner and currently leads the championship, and he’s been the stunt driver for Hollywood movies like James Bond and Fast and Furious, so blasting around a salt mine for a few days was a walk in the park for a man of his calibre.
Ford had three STs for the shoot, two would be the main cars used for filming and they had one on standby just in case something went wrong.
The cars used were totally standard, no suspension mods or engine tweaks, roll cage or hydraulic handbrake were fitted.
But if we have a look at the STs stats then we can see they have a vary capable package to start with.
KEY FACTS:
Ford Fiesta STCost: From £21,495
Engine: 1.5-litre, petrol
Power: 197bhp
Torque: 290Nm
0-62mph: 6.5secs
Top Speed: 144mph
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Economy: 47.1mpg
Emissions: 136g/km
Rivals: VW Polo GTI, Suzuki Swift, Vauxhall Corsa GSi
Power comes from a 200bhp, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that also produces 290Nms of torque. It sounds sublime, its throaty exhaust note creates plenty of snap, crackle and pops.
And the noise was amplified by the entrance tunnel, and when the ST charged down, it sounded like a jumbo jet was about to land.
After filming was complete, I got to sit shotgun beside Mark as he repeated some of the stunts you’ll see from the advert — handbrake turns and reverse donuts, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
But the thing that surprised me most was just how bumpy and rough the salt mine floor was, never mind all the dust that was being created.
The poor little Fiesta was taking a pounding but it’s a testament to how strong and tough the standard car is.
There were no mechanical failures or damage to either car and it even stood the rigours of me behind the wheel with Mark as my co-pilot, as we went for a little, legal, joy ride around the mine.
But it was only when I took the same car for a test drive back on normal roads that I could really feel and experience how good it really is.
Yes the movie car was left-hand drive but instantly you can see what all the fuss is about — the steering is fast and responsive, the suspension isn’t as stiff as the previous generation, but it sticks to the road like glue.
And acceleration is brisk, 0-62mph takes 6.4secs with a top speed of 144mph which is insanely fast for a Fiesta.
There are different driving modes, Normal, Sport and Track, and the latter was obviously used in the mine.
There’s also a optional Launch Control with shift light and mechanical limited-slip differential, that was essential underground, but something you should consider as it adds more grip when cornering and will launch you from a standing start like Usain Bolt on speed.
I’m counting the days until I’m reacquainted with the Fiesta ST and get to drive this manic little mine craft again.
But this time I’ll stay above ground.
