19 May 2001: When Ford launches its next generation Fiesta it intends to provide a real hot hatch contender in an ST150 version, which won't be on the road until early 2003, though. To be powered by a 2-litre 150bhp engine, it is expected to have a 0-62mph sprint figure in the Porsche realm of 7secs. Chief competitors will be the current Peugeot 206 GTi and Renault's Clio 172.

Meantime, the basic Fiesta range - and Ford are said to be keeping the name - will come with L, LX, Zetec and Ghia specification levels, with a base engine of 1.4-litres outputting 65bhp and a 1.6-litre 100bhp unit as an option.

We'll be seeing the new Fiesta later this year, but the hot hatch ST150 won't be shown until next year's Geneva Motor Show. TW