Ford UK Launches Sporty Fiesta S1600 Limited Edition

European consumers (and soon enough, American buyers too) are patiently waiting for Ford to launch a hot ST or better yet, an RS version of the latest Fiesta hatchback powered by one of the firm's new EcoBoost turbo engines. But until that time comes, Ford is trying to lure enthusiasts with the launch of a sportier-looking version of the Fiesta.

Called the Fiesta S1600, only 650 of these special Fiestas are being created for the UK market with pricing set at £16,645. So what's the deal with this limited edition version of the Fiesta?

Well, nothing in terms of performance. Based on the Fiesta Zetec-S, the S1600 is offered with a choice of two engines, the standard 120HP 1.6-liter petrol and 95HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel units.

As with the standard Fiesta, the S1600 is also offered with an optional performance package from Mountine that boosts output to 140HP, lowering the car's 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time from 9.9 seconds to 7.9 seconds.

On the outside, the S1600 package includes a body-styling kit with a unique front bumper with flared lower valence panel, extended side skirts, large rear spoiler and rear diffuser, finished with 17-in, white alloy wheels (16" for the diesel).

The car is available exclusively in Frozen White or Performance Blue, with contrasting motorsport stripes.

As for the interior, the S1600 gets alloy pedals and Quickclear windscreen, heated, stitched leather sports seats with standard side-airbags, leather steering wheel, handbrake cover and gearknob, plus Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates.

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New Ford Fiesta Overtakes VW Golf as Europe's Best Selling Car in Q1

The newest generation of the Ford Fiesta has become Europe's best-selling car, pushing the Volkswagen Golf into second place in both March 2010 and year-to-date sales, according to the latest figures from JATO Dynamics.

Ford sold 68,630 Fiestas in March 2010, representing a 25.8% increase in sales over March 2009, and 11,785 more than Volkswagen's second-placed Golf.

In the first quarter of the year (January-March), Europeans bought 140,496 Ford Fiestas (+21.7%) and 135,048 VW Golfs (+10.4%).

Beyond the Fiesta and Golf, small cars dominated the list with the best selling models in Europe in first quarter of 2010.

The most improved car in the month's top ten was the new Opel/ Vauxhall Astra, which saw a 42.9 sales rise in March, helped greatly by a 75.9% increase in the UK, where it was the third best-selling car.

As well as securing the top spot with the Fiesta, Ford also managed to finish first in the March brand chart, with 1,818 sales more than Volkswagen, whilst also closing up the year-to-date gap to its German rival which topped the Q1 charts with 372, 205 units (+7.8%).

As for the national trends, aside from Germany that saw a hefty drop in sales in march (-26,6%) and in the first quarter (-22.8%), all other major European markets posted sales gains for both March and year-to-date 2010, compared to 2009.

Via: JATO

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Ford Fiesta RS and Lancia Delta HF Integrale Design Studies Rev Our Imagination

Our next story comes from the magical world of concept studies -courtesy of AutoBlog.com.es- where harsh reality takes a hike and imaginations steps in to take its place. We've always been fans of the great Delta HF Integrale and we'd like nothing more than for Lancia to revive the legendary nameplate instead of wasting time and resources on cars such as the Thesis but chances are, especially after the Fiat Group's tie-up with Chrysler, that this artist's impression is the closest we'll get to a new HF for now.

The Fiesta RS that's also pictured here, however, is another story. While Ford hasn't confirmed any plans for a high-performance Fiesta, it also has not ruled out such an option. If the company were to develop a Fiesta RS, the firm's recently announced 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with direct-injection would be prime candidates to power the vehicle.

But until we hear something official, both the Lancia Delta HF Integrale and the Ford Fiesta RS will remain in the realm of imagination.

Photo Source: Autoblog.com.es , Via: Autoblog.nl

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"Stolen" Ford Fiesta Travesty Continues: Car Found in NYC Impound Lot - Bronstein Renowned for his Publicity Stunts

The whole 'stolen' Ford Fiesta Movement story had more holes than a block of Swiss cheese to begin with, but now things have become more clear. The owner of the car, 'MacHammer' Jake Bronstein announced that he found the allegedly stolen Fiesta locked up in a New York City impound lot... We're so appalled that we're not even going to continue with the details. But what we would like to add is that even though we didn't see it mentioned on other sites, a quick search on the internet reveals that Bronstein has made a name for himself as a publicity stunt artist - even Wikipedia has an article on him as you can see after the jump. And some wonder why Ford chose Bronstein for the Fiesta Movement test cars...

From Wikipedia: Jake Bronstein Publicity Stunts

"Other highlights include his bizarre public stunts, such as bathing in Bryant Park Fountai, taking advantage of a loophole to get into the NBA draft. eBaying the lead singer position in his band, offering himself for marriage, freeing a fish into New York's East River, launching a 50 Dates in 50 States quest by soliciting invites from women on the web, and offering 1,000 strangers a hand-written love letter.

He is also the inventor of the Fun Idea Machine and recently started a text system designed to kill boredom by letting people text NEED FUN to 30644 for fun ideas, for free, by phone. He appeared on CBS Sunday Morning drinking a full bottle of maple syrup to set a new world record."

Link: Zoomdoggle

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