A new sporty Fiesta has been unveiled by Ford, which heralds the return of the affordable GTi. Ford's intention is to re-launch the ST brand as a junior RS in the spirit of the old XR tag, but without the stigma that is now attached. As such, the current ST badge convention, which includes the power output of the engine in the name (e.g. ST170 and ST220), will be scrapped and the models will be known simply as ST.

The Fiesta has received the appropriate change in appearance via restyled bumpers, spoilers, larger alloys and wider tyres, complemented by a reduced ride height. Definitive changes to the chassis have yet to be announced but expect a stiffer, more sporting set up to be specified. Under the bonnet, a new 150 PS version of the Duratec 2.0-litre DOHC engine has been fitted which should endow the relatively lightweight Fiesta with adequate, if not (by today's standards) scintillating, performance. A 0-60 mph time of around 8 seconds and a 130 mph maximum are likely.

A suitably sporty interior has been specified with leather trimmed sports seats, metal pedals and detailed brightwork such as the door handles.

The ST will step into the market place amongst a raft of new models from Ford's competitors, chiefly Vauxhall's new Corsa GSi and Citroen's C3 VTS. The exact price and specification are to be confirmed later this year but we expect Ford to undercut its rivals as it aims to replicate the huge success and sale figures achieved with the XR2s in the ‘80s.

The Fiesta ST debuts at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.