Ford To Take Fiesta Into Rallying

Ford today announced its intention to take the Fiesta into rallying with the unveiling of its RallyeConcept, which is expected to go into competition within a year.

Martin Leach, president and chief operating officer, Ford of Europe, said the car is the result of the company's desire to utilise the Fiesta's full “sportiness”.

He added: “The combined team [working on the car] had the express objective of creating the ultimate Fiesta sports vehicle and this is the latest expression of the Fiesta's style and sportiness.”

The car is powered by a high performance version of Fiesta's 1.6 litre Duratec 16V engine and is fitted with a full range of rally safety equipment including an integral roll cage, competition harnesses and Sparco racing seats.

For enthusiasts wishing to get their hands on this 200 bhp car a kit version will be available next year and Leach said Ford was considering making a ready built - homologation - version in 2004.

Leach would not reveal the expected sale price, saying only “the price of a junior rally car has a cap of $100,000 and will be priced at less than that”.

The RallyeConcept launch is part of Ford's continued commitment to the small car. This was further highlighted in Birmingham by the announcement that the two-seater Streetka will be on sale by Spring 2003.

The entry-level model will be priced at £12,495 rising to £13,745 on-the-road for the high series model. For the lucky owners of the first batch of 1000 Streetkas their special edition motors will include leather heated seats and all the other options for £13,995.