Thanks to a lack of people willing to buy a new car unless it does does 100mpg and only emits rose petals from the exhaust, Ford have decided to put plans for their latest Fiesta ST on hold.
There was an expectation that Ford might have the car ready for later this year, but with plummeting sales and increasing concerns amongst buyers about running costs, Ford have decided to shelve the project. However, it’s not all bad news as there is a possibility we may see the car in 2012, when Ford’s new range of turbocharged direct-injection EcoBoost engines will be available. This should help to improve the Fiesta ST’s economy and performance, and by then the hope is that the car market has recovered.
“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.”
Until then we’re stuck with the Zetec S as the performance flagship for the Fiesta range, which is no bad thing. While it may not be the fastest thing on the road it still makes for an entertaining drive.
Source: Autocar