Ask The Best And Brightest: What Would You Pay For This Feisty Fiesta?
Published: August 29th, 2011
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Although Ford has been relentlessly hyping its US-bound Focus ST, there’s been nary a word of a hot Fiesta coming to the states. And even if we do get the 180 HP (or thereabouts) 1.6 Ecoboost-powered Fiesta ST, seen here screaming around a certain ubiquitous test track, it probably won’t be in the three-door trim you see here. Still, if US-market Fiestas start at $15,500 and top out around $22,000, what would you (hypothetically) pay for an extra 60 forced-induction ponies, some nice wheels and the ubiquitous go-fast appearance bits? Or is there simply no reason to sell a hot hatch in the US that’s smaller than the forthcoming, 250 HP Focus ST?
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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I hate to be the one to burst the warm and fuzzy small car bubble, but eventually the majority of people are going to get used to current fuel prices and adjust their budgets to afford fueling the larger, more powerful vehicles that they REALLY want. I got a hunch that if someone was to look at the historical data they'd find most small vehicle sales were at their peaks during poor economic times. The economy can only stay bad for so long... I'm not trying to bad mouth small cars. (Some people really get their panties in a wad over that). Just don't be too surprised if the upsurge in hatches and compacts proves to be just a fad.
If Ford were practical about this, they'd have a limited NAmerican, release (say 5-10k units, so as not to cut into Focus numbers), price it to not lose too much money, and use it as a halo to pull the Fiesta's sales. Most kids on a budget don't care if it is 120 or 160 hp, but do enjoy a light and tight ride.
Based on the pricing of the ST relative to the rest of the range when they sold them here in Australia (badged as the XR4), I would put it at the $19-20k mark. Mind you that does not account for the 3 door bodyshell not being offered in the US which would add costs for amortization of the certification spend.
Did anyone else noticed giant x-brace in the car?