The latest version of the Ford Fiesta S1600 will go on sale this month (February 2011), the company has announced.
It will be limited to 500 examples, each with a 132bhp version of the 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engine found in the Zetec-S. It usually has 118bhp.
The power upgrade means an 8.2-second 0-60mph run, representing a significant 1.7-second reduction compared to the Zetec-S.
It's three-door only and gets a body kit including a flared lower valance, a bigger spoiler, and a set of white 17-inch alloys. Ford says it's the spiritual successor to the Fiesta XR2.
Inside there's a pair of heated leather sports seats, a leather wheel and gear knob, and a set of new scuff plates.
No price yet, but the new Fiesta Zetec-S costs just over £14,000. Regardless of the cost it should prove popular, however - according to Ford the last S1600 "rapidly sold out."
Mark Nichol - 23 Feb 2011