The Ford Fiesta XR4 is set to hit the Australian market within the next month. Put together by the same crew that pumped out the tarmac violating Focus XR5, the Fiesta XR4 will be available for sale in June with a recommended retail price of $24,990 AUS.

Fiesta XR4 is powered by a specially modified version of Ford’s 2.0-litre Duratec 16-valve engine, the same engine that powers the Focus. The engine has undergone performance enhancements which see it develop 110kW at 6000 rpm, compared with the 107kW at 6000 rpm when installed in the Focus. The increased output is the result of an all-new, low-loss intake system and new sports exhaust system developed specifically for the Fiesta XR4. Maximum torque of 190Nm is increased from 185Nm in the Focus and the torque delivery is of an exceptionally wide spread, with 80 per cent of peak torque available from as low as 1500 rpm and more than 90 per cent from 2200 rpm all the way to 6150 rpm.

Safety wise, the XR4 appears to be solid. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags and side thorax airbags are all standard.

Perhaps it's best feature though, are the racing stripes! Everyone knows that racing stripes make a car run better!

Popularity: 4% [?]