FORD is determined to turn its wavering fortunes around in 2007, with the Fiesta XR4 the first of its passenger cars to create some much-needed new excitement for the beleaguered car-maker this year. As a starter, this pocket-rocket is a cracker, convincing all with its unexpected value, dynamic charm, feisty performance and unabashed character. On sheer will power alone, the XR4 rises above its station, and goes one step beyond last year's superb Focus XR5 to signal exactly what a rejuvenated Ford can be capable of.
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Ford WF Festiva Demon
Released: September 1998
Ended: June 1999
Family Tree: FiestaThis pathetically cynical marketing exercise should come as a warning to car-makers thinking that serving up dross comes without long-term consequence. The Demon was superficial in the extreme – consisting of ritzier trim, alloy wheels and additional equipment – in a flimsy light car of sub-standard steering, handling and ride abilities. Remember, the Festiva was basically a 1986 Mazda 121 built by Kia in South Korea. Whether the Demon badge was applied on the limp 47kW/100Nm 1.3-litre Trio or 56kW/115Nm 1.5 Trio S and GLXi models, it did nothing to improve a car so cheap that people who bought a Festiva on price were unlikely to buy a Ford twice.
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