Ford will finally give us an official hot version of the Fiesta, due to arrive next year. The Fiesta ST will sit above the current fastest Fiesta, the rather lukewarm Zetec S. This contradicts Ford's original line at the launch of the current car that there wouldn't be an official hot version.
It is thought that this change of heart has been brought about due to the introduction Fiesta in the WRC this year in order to comply with the new S2000 rules that have come into force this season. The Fiesta ST will get a 180bhp version of the 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine, which is broadly (and we mean very broadly) similar to the one found in this year's WRC car.
The Fiesta ST is set to compete against rivals such as the Renaultsport Clio 200, the Seat Ibiza Cupra and the Volkswagen Polo GTi. Whilst there is no official word on performance, it is a saf(ish) bet that it will be on a par with the Clio, giving away 20bhp but weighing in at almost exactly 200kg lighter than its French counterpart.
There has been no official word on price, but expect it to go on sale at around £16,500 pounds, undercutting its Renault rival by £300 against the Cup version and £1300 against a highly specced model.
Ford is also dipping its toe into the hot hatch water first with a limited run of 500 'warm' 134 bhp S 1600s. This will be used to test the market for a small hot(ish) Ford.