Ford reveals Fiesta S1600

Ford has revealed a sporty new Fiesta dubbed the S1600 – but those waiting for a Focus ST (or even RS) boost in performance will remain frustrated.

Despite invoking its unquestionably brilliant bloodline – including the XR2i and RS – the Fiesta S1600 has to make do with the same smooth-but-uninspiring 118bhp 1.6-litre Duratec engine Ford already uses in the Zetec-S.

An optional tuning package from Mountune squeezes another 20bhp from the petrol lump, but even 138bhp leaves the S1600 lagging behind the epic Renault Clio Cup 200 which costs just £65 more than the Fiesta's £16,645 price tag.