“Fiesta XR4 will be on sale before the end of the second quarter and we are confident this junior hot hatch, with its combination of European styling, German engineering and outstanding driving dynamics, will take the class by storm,” said President of Ford Australia, Tom Gorman.

Powered by a specially modified version of Ford’s 2.0 litre Duratec 16-valve engine, the XR4 delivers 110kW of power and 190Nm of torque. Unique overhead stripes are available as an option and complement XR4′s enhanced performance ability.

“In keeping with its performance pedigree, Fiesta XR4 will only be available in the three-door body style with a five-speed manual transmission,” said Mr Gorman.

Delivering on performance
Fiesta XR4 is the second high performance car in the Ford Australia line-up to come from Ford’s TeamRS organisation. It will join the stunning Focus XR5 Turbo that redefined the term ‘hot hatch’ when it was launched last year.

“The new XR4 is more than just a badge, it is a whole new performance and design concept devised by TeamRS as an ongoing part of its road car programme,” explained Jost Capito, TeamRS Director.

“The new Fiesta XR4 encapsulates the spirit of ‘fun to drive’ and aims to bring out the enthusiast in every driver, while being enjoyable to live with as an everyday car.”

Performance car credentials
In addition to the powerful and sporty 2.0-litre Duratec engine, Fiesta’s highly acclaimed chassis has been modified to deliver class-leading handling and roadholding for the XR4, with a stiffer rear twist beam and revised spring and damper tuning.

Steering is quicker acting and braking performance has been improved, with larger diameter and ventilated front discs, as well as the addition of rear disc brakes fitted for the first time on Fiesta.

The XR4 features a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission with a new, short-throw gearshift for ultra-fast, precise gear changes.

Fiesta XR4 looks the part too, with an XR5 Turbo-style front bumper treatment that incorporates a deeper air intake and chrome-ringed fog lamps, a bespoke sports rear bumper, discrete side skirts and a functional rear roof spoiler to complement its low stance.

Handsome multi-spoke alloy wheels with low profile Pirelli P-Zero tyres complete the package to create a bold, performance look.

Inside, the cabin has also been given the XR4 treatment, with unique front sports seats trimmed in black leather with bold red or blue cloth centre sections.

XR4 interior detailing includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminium centre spoke, unique leather gear shift knob with satin aluminium insert and red graphics, sports pedals and XR4 branded scuff plates.

Safety
Safety specification in the Fiesta XR4 is in keeping with its performance car credentials and includes driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags and side thorax airbags.

Driver aids consist of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), while larger ventilated front and rear disc brakes, sports suspension, a passive anti-theft system and remote central locking complete the package.

“Fiesta XR4 delivers a further performance offering to Ford motoring enthusiasts,” said Mr Gorman.

“It is going to be a successful and eye-catching addition to the hot-hatch range.”

Further specification and pricing information will be announced closer to launch. tted with a convenient input facility for an iPod® or MP3 player.

“Fiesta sales are up approximately 80 units per month on average compared with last year,” said President of Ford Australia, Tom Gorman.

“It has a well deserved reputation for European styling, German engineering and outstanding driving dynamics.

“These three attributes contribute to the undeniable appeal of Fiesta. It really is a small car that offers large car qualities.”

The model range includes the three or five door Fiesta LX, the sports enhanced three door Zetec and the luxuriously appointed five door Ghia.

Launched earlier this year, the 2006 model includes exterior changes to bumpers and grille, revised headlamps, rear lamps, thicker body side mouldings, body coloured handles and mirrors on selected models.

A selection of modern seat fabrics and fascia colour combinations gives the interior an exciting, trendy feel.

All three models in the Fiesta line up come standard with a 1.6 litre Duratec 16 valve all-alloy engine, which develops 74 kW at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 146 Nm at 4000 rpm.

ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) is standard equipment on automatic LX, Zetec and Ghia, and is available as an option on manual transmission LX models.

The sportiest Fiesta model, the Zetec, comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, enhanced gear ratios in the manual transmission and sports suspension.

The sports suspension system delivers a more precise steering feel as well as providing sharper handling characteristics.
 
“This list of features has further enhanced Fiesta’s already impressive reputation for superior driving dynamics, which are a hallmark of the entire Ford vehicle range,” said Mr Gorman.

Features such as air-conditioning are standard across the range, and side and curtain airbags are available as an option on Ghia. Manual transmission Fiestas are fitted with a convenient input facility for an iPod® or MP3 player.