FAST FIESTA TIMELINE

1977 – 1.3-litre Ford Fiesta S launches.

1979 – Fiesta competes in Monte Carlo

Rally, inspiring the XR2.

1981 – First generation XR2 launched with 1.6-litre engine, alloy wheels, driving lamps – the first 100mph Fiesta!

1984 – Mk2 Fiesta XR2 launched with 1.6

litre engine and five-speed gearbox.

1989 – Mk3 Fiesta launched; XR2i arrives same year with 1.6-litre engine, fivespeed, bodykit, stiffer suspension and unique tyres.

1990 – Fiesta RS Turbo launched at Turin Motor Show with a turbocharged XR2i engine with an intercooled Garrett turbo. 1.1 seconds faster to 62mph than XR2i.

1992 – Fiesta RS1800 launched with 1.8litre Zetec and “improved hot hatch handling”, five-spoke wheels and body colour spoiler.

1999 – 1.6-litre Fiesta Sport unveiled at IAA; sold in the UK as the Zetec S.

2005 – 150ps/148bhp Fiesta ST launched, most powerful Fiesta to date and first production offering of Team RS.

2011 – Fiesta S1600 special edition with

1.6-litre 134ps/132bhp Duratec.

2011 – Fiesta RS WRC competition debut with win at Rally Sweden.

2012 – New generation Fiesta ST unveiled at Geneva show and goes on sale in

2013 – 10,000 orders in six months double expectations.

2016 – ST200 unveiled at Geneva; with 200ps/197bhp it’s the most powerful production Fiesta ever.