Ford's fiery Fiesta 170Autocar, 09 Apr 2003
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Ford's planned ST150 Fiesta has been ditched for not being hot enough. Instead, the go-faster Fiesta will Pack at least 170bhp, to kep pace with the new rivals. "Although we don't need the biggest numbers in the car park, Peugeot's GTi 180 has set a benchmark," admitted an insider. As a result Ford will be digging out a few extra horses to save face.
A hot-lapping Fiesta has hit the Nurburgring, giving clues to the look of the production car. Although the prototype is testing a six-speed sequential gearbox for the front-wheel drive Junior WRC Fiesta, it gives a flavour of how the ST will look. The flared wheel-arches, front spoiler, wire mesh grill, alloys and boot spoiler could all be added to the production ST. "The ST will be reasonably subtle, not all big wings and bulging alloys," said our source.
Expect prices to be bang on the 206 GTi's £14,995. The ST170 will make its debut at the 2004 Geneva show before hitting showrooms mid-year.
The supermini will be powered by a 2.0-litre four feeding the front wheels, and should complete the 0-62mph dash in around 8.0sec. Although a three-door is a certainty, it looks increasingly likely to be joined by a five-door model. Ford isn't worried about the ST Fiesta stealing sales from the Focus ST170, as the Fiesta's launch will coincide with the Focus Mk1's run-out. It's replacement is due in spring 2005. The 170bhp power output would leave the way clear for a 200bhp RS version to cap the Fiesta range, based on the RallyeConcept show car from last year's British Motorshow.
FordFiestaST.com says:
Just goes to show that the magazines aren't always right!! This story has since been proved to be incorrect since it was printed, by Ford stating that the car will have 150PS as originally planned.