Rumors about Ford wanting to add a high-performance RS model to the Fiesta lineup have been flying around for quite a few years. Unfortunately, we never got a hot-hatch above the 212-horsepower ST200, despite the first Fiesta RS concept dating back to 2004. But Ford's more recent plans to expand the RS performance lineup may finally include the tiny Fiesta.

Ford didn't quite confirm the beefed-up hatchback, but Ford Performance Europe boss, Leo Roeks, hinted that it might be underway. When asked by Motoring if a Fiesta RS based on the latest-generation car is coming, he put on a big grin and responded, "I can't tell you, but I'm very busy." Unfortunately, with Ford reducing its U.S. car lineup to only the Mustang and the Focus Active, the Fiesta RS won't cross the pond to North America.

While Roeks provided no actual confirmation of the Fiesta RS being in the works, the hatchback's new platform fixes all the issue that prevented Ford from making one in the past. In 20 17, the company said that a Fiesta RS has yet to be developed because there's no solid business case for the European market and that the platform won't take an all-wheel-drive system due to cost and weight concerns. With the seventh-generation Fiesta sharing underpinnings with the EcoSport, the latter is no longer an issue. The mini crossover already uses Ford's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system so using it in the Fiesta would be easier than before.

The only mystery here is what engine will lurk under the hood. The new Fiesta ST dropped the four-cylinder for a 1.5-liter three-pot engine. The unit is rated at 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet and could probably generate more with the proper internals. Another option would be to use the 2.0-liter EcoBoost from the outgoing Focus ST, but it remains to be seen whether or not it will fit in the smaller hatchback. Either way, the Fiesta RS will probably crank out around 250 horsepower, if not more.

If it happens, don't expect the RS to bow until 2019.

2018 Ford Fiesta ST Performance Specifications

Previous Ford Fiesta ST

New Ford Fiesta ST

Headroom front/rear (Inches)

39.1/37.2

TBA

Legroom front/rear (Inches)

42.2/31.2

TBA

Shoulder room front/rear (Inches)

52.7/49.0

TBA

Hip room front/rear (Inches)

50.6/49.2

TBA

Passenger Volume (cu ft)

85.1

TBA

Cargo Volume (cu ft)

10.1/25.4

TBA


References

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Ford Fiesta RS

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford Fiesta

Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST.

Read more Ford news.