The new Fiesta ST heralds the return of an exciting performance car to Ford's European small car range, promising a new direction for the Fiesta in economy, performance, and handling. Based on the original fast 1981 XR2 Fiesta, and developed by Ford's TeamRS alongside the Junior World Rallye car we saw at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, the ST is powered by a 147-hp 2.0-liter Duratec ST engine and matched to a chassis tuned to make enthusiastic drivers smile. From its free-breathing grill and lower bumper design, to its lowered stance and 11-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile high-performance tires, the three-door RS visually demonstrates its performance credentials. Beyond promising a 2-second improvement on the 60-mph time held by the previous 1.6-liter/98-hp model, Ford is withholding any additional technical details until closer to its European release at the end of 2004.
