Ford Fiesta RS still on the cards

Ford will follow up its Focus RS with a more powerful, hardcore version of the Fiesta supermini, according to new reports.

Likely to be powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol that powers the ST, the new RS is almost certain to have power wound up from 134kW/240Nm to a far mightier 185kW/300Nm, according to German car magazine, Autobild.

Unlike the Focus RS, for cost and packaging reasons, this power is likely to be channelled to the front wheels, with the little Fiesta missing out on the bigger hatch’s four-wheel drive.

Despite the traction deficit the RS, thanks to a mechanical limited slip differential, is likely to hit 100km/h in less than six seconds and top out at more than 250km/h.

A bespoke suspension tune, meanwhile, that could resurrect the previous-gen Focus RS’ torque steer-reducing Revo Knuckle front struts, is also expected.

To boost stability at high speeds the RS is likely to come with a comprehensive aero that will also help differentiate itself from the slower ST.

Interestingly, the mules that Autobild claim are proof that the Blue Oval has green lit the fastest Fiesta  have all, so far, been five-door mules hinting that, like the new Focus, the RS could have added practicality.

In any case, according to Autobild we have another year to find out how the Fiesta RS will evolve as it predicts we’ll have to wait until 2017 until Ford brings the car to market.