Hot baby Ford here

Ford has launched the latest in its range of XR 'hotties'. Arriving in dealers Down Under this week, the new Fiesta XR4 takes to four the number of XR models offered by Ford Australia.

Priced at a very competitive $24,990, Ford's new hot hatch takes on the likes of the Volkswagen Polo GTi, Peugeot 207 GTI, Colt Ralliart and Barina SRi with the promise of torquey 2.0-litre power and a chassis fettled for backroad fun.

Like its Focus-based five-cylinder XR5 stablemate (more here), the Fiesta XR4 is the handiwork of Ford's European based TeamRS boffins. Indeed, the Fiesta XR4 is essentially the same vehicle that is sold in Europe as the Fiesta ST.

Built at Ford's Niehl plant near Cologne, Germany, it is offered in three-door hatch form only, with one engine and transmission combination. A 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC Duratec four, the engine is the same base unit that graces the Focus Zetec. Retuned for 95 RON fuel and boasting a new variable length intake manifold and sports exhaust, it gains 3kW and 5Nm in its XR4 guise for a claimed maximum output of 110kW at 6000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

Ford says the new powerplant produces more than 80 per cent of its peak torque from just 1500rpm. Coupled with the Fiesta's relatively light kerb weight it promises (and delivers) lusty performance. Fuel economy is listed at 7.4lt/100km combined.

Power is channelled to the front wheels only via close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox sourced from the Fiesta Zetec. Internal ratios are unchanged, however, the final drive is taller (3.82:1 versus 4.06) to take advantage of the engine's extra oomph.

The XR4 rolls on multi-spoke 17-inch alloys shod with premium soft-compound Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

There's more to the chassis tune than just flash wheels, however. As well as bigger ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, the XR4 boasts stiffer springs and retuned dampers as well as sharper steering and bespoke front-end geometry.

The aggressive bodykit, which includes a deep, lipped front valance, sideskirts and colour-coded mirrors and bodyside mouldings -- as well a hefty rear roof spoiler -- sets it instantly apart from lesser Fiestas. And then there's those stripes! Though the contrasting GT-style add-ons are actually factory and dealer fit options, Ford says most of the initial stocks of the cars will arrive in full livery.

For the record there are six body colours from which to choose, all colour-matched with one of three stripe finishes. The stripes are the sole option offered on the XR4 and will cost purchasers an additional $300. Opt for the dealer fit stripes (same price) and you can mix and match colour and stripe combinations.

Inside the XR4 gets sports buckets with contrasting cloth and leather sport seats. Also standard is a quality six-disc audio system (MP3 compatible), alloy sports pedals and special, but fussy, TeamRS instrumentation. Blue and white XR4s also get the extra differentiation of colour matched (well, sort of) dash highlights.

In terms of safety equipment, the XR4 comes standard with six airbags including side curtain and thorax bags as well as antilock brakes and Dynamic Stability Control. Unlike some other stability systems in so-called sports models, in the case of the XR4 the DSC can be disabled. Ford also says the DSC system has been calibrated for the car's hot hatch role.

According to Ford Australia Vice President Marketing and Sales, Mark Winslow, the company is confident the XR4 will be enthusiastically received by Australian buyers. He told The Carsales Network, one Sydney dealer had taken four orders for the new car on its first day on sale.

Unlike the XR5, which quickly accrued a multi-month waiting list, Winslow said he believed that the company would not be caught short on supply for the XR4, however.

"We don't believe we will have the same supply issues with the XR4," Winslow said. "We're looking for around 40 [units] per month and supply is in place for that sort of demand," he added.

Look out for The Carsales Network's launch review of the Ford Fiesta XR4 soon.

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