Ford Confirms Fiesta ST/XR4 On Hold, 2012 At Best

[armthehomeless]

UK website Autocar is reporting that a source within Ford has confirmed that the Ford Fiesta ST (sold locally as the Fiesta XR4) has been shelved indefinitely. This could very well mean that the little hot-hatch will never see the light of day.

It’s a shame for small car enthusiasts as our recent road test of the Ford Fiesta Zetec, which sits below the ST in the range, found the Fiesta experience to be worthy of its widespread praise.

All hope is not lost however with Autocar’s source having this to say on the possibility of the Fiesta ST reaching the market later down the track:

“We may have a better opportunity to make the ST later on in the car’s life, when Ford’s direct-injection petrol engines are ready and the range would benefit more from the extra interest surrounding such a car. But not until 2012 at the earliest.”

Given the popularity of the Fiesta, Ford should think carefully before completely axing such a halo model. The knock-on sales effect to the rest of the range could be worth the investment alone. We’ll keep you posted as more information comes to light.

[Source: Autocar via The Motor Report]

[MPSMatt]

I can't say the XR4 ever did much for me, its just too small.

[shakespeare]

never drove one, but the small car big engine thing is usually a good formula and fuel will rise again soon, shame about that wonder if Mazda have a 2MPS in their product pipeline?

Some strong memories of my 2L Escort spring to mind

[Wardski]

Shame really.. Guess there wont be a Mazda 2 MPS either. BTW, word on the street is that the Focus RS will be the last ever made...... blah!

[spastic]

they look kinda like my 2 grrrr lol

[noetzy]

Would have been nice to see what they could do to follow up on the current XR4...

[duglet]

Shame really.. Guess there wont be a Mazda 2 MPS either. BTW, word on the street is that the Focus RS will be the last ever made...... blah!

Rumour: New Ford Focus RS To Be The Last

Mar 2nd, 2009


If the rumoured words of a Ford insider are anything to go by, we’re in the middle of the end of an era – and we haven’t even realised it yet. Sure, the economy’s been better, but we’ll pull through… right?
According to British web rag iMotor, a conversation with an unnamed Ford staffer revealed that the new Ford Focus RS is likely to be the last.

The Ford insider, via iMotor:

“The new Focus RS is pretty special, and not just because of its incredible performance, but because it’s likely to be the last car of this type you will see from Ford.”

The unnamed employee went on to explain that once (if?) the company returns to profitability, its focus will be entirely on economical and eco-friendly vehicles, believing there is no business case for performance models.
He (or she) finished with a grim piece of advice for enthusiasts everywhere.

“People should enjoy cars like the Focus RS while they can. It’s unlikely you will see driver-focused high performance hatchbacks ever again.”

Whether this conversation ever took place, or whether it’s just a fluff piece to get some readers, is of course tough to say. Given the current climate both globally and within Ford itself, it’s easy enough to believe.
Is this the a sign of things to come? Are we looking at the last Mazda3 MPS? The last WRX STI and Evo?
If the world’s biggest automaker can’t justify finishing its own sports car project, what hope do its smaller competitors have?

[tricache]

So what is Ford going to focus on????

[noetzy]

So what is Ford going to focus on????

Probably competition for the Prius

[tricache]

Oh Dear God....