23 October 2002: Ford today announced its intention to take the Fiesta into rallying with the unveiling of its RallyeConcept, which is expected to go into competition within a year.  

The car is powered by a high performance version of Fiesta’s 1.6 litre Duratec 16V engine and is fitted with a full range of rally safety equipment including an integral roll cage, competition harnesses and Sparco racing seats.  

For enthusiasts wishing to get their hands on this 200bhp car, a kit version will be available next year and Ford is considering making a ready built – homologation – version in 2004.  

The price of a junior rally car has a cap of $100,000 and the 2004 version will be priced at less than that, according to Ford.