With news of Ford announcing that 2023 will be the last year of production for the Fiesta, many car fanatics have sat down and reflected on how iconic the Fiesta has been over the past 40-odd years.
For 11 years – between 2009 and 2020 – the Fiesta reigned as the UK's most popular car, achieving 4.8 million sales during that period. The Fiesta also racked up an incredible 22 million sales globally, ensuring it will forever go down as one of the world's most popular motors.
Here at TrackDays.co.uk, we decided to look back at the car that kicked off all the fun and how it developed into a true party starter through its introduction of the XR2, RS Turbo and ST versions.
- The MK1 – the beginning of a new era
With the world facing an energy crisis in the early 1970s and drivers yearning for smaller, more efficient cars, Ford's engineers rushed out to produce a car that would satisfy the market.
Cheap to buy, with entry level models selling at £1,850, and even cheaper to run, production started a year after conception in Dagenham. The Fiesta's popularity was instantaneous with Ford creating a car which truly lived up to its name: the Fiesta was here to party.
- The XR2– Establishing its credentials
The MK2 eventually led to Ford introducing the XR2 range to the Fiesta as an answer to Peugeot's 205 GTI back in 1984.
The XR2 was an instant hit, particularly with the younger generation. With its lowered suspension, chunky wheel arches and extra fog lights, the car surely looked the part. However, its motor did not match its looks as it only produced 85bhp, resulting in a disappointing performance when compared to its contemporaries.
- The RS Turbo – Zipping Forward
It was not looking good for Ford with their hot hatch offering in the early 1990s. Up stepped for the RS Turbo.
Featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, this offering took the limelight back from Peugeot and Fiat. With its iconic green stripe wrapping around the car, the Fiesta kicked out 133bhp, getting it from 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds and truly was a pocket rocket.
The first ST arrived in 2005 and was based on Ford's latest MK6 offering. This brilliant car packed 150bhp within a 2.0-litre engine and was Fiesta's fastest model at the time.
The ST was built to compete against Volkswagen's Polo GTi, and was received by the general public with higher esteem due to its overall comparative performance and experience.
The MK6 didn't just introduce the ST to us, it was also famous for its introduction to the rally car scene, replacing Ford's Focus RS WRC.
Exploding onto the rally tracks back in 2011, the Fiesta RS WRC was victorious in its first race. It went on to lay solid foundations for the 2017 Fiesta WRC's future championship title wins.
The Fiesta will finally switch the lights off and turn down the music on an unforgettable party in June 2023. Nearly everyone who has owned a Fiesta is glad they got an invite and the Fiesta's hot hatch versions will be remembered fondly for the energy and excitement they brought.
You can relive the pace and power of the Ford Fiesta ST Rally car by booking to drive it as part of TrackDays' range of One, Two or Three Car Rally Taster sessions at UK wide venues through available dates on our Rally Experiences Calendar or purchase of our Gift Vouchers, ensuring you don't miss out on the fun.
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