What is it?
The third outing for the hottest version of the Ford Fiesta. Originally shown as a three-door model in Frankfurt before gaining a couple of doors for the American market, the Fiesta ST enters Geneva in 'production ready' guise. All that means is that the 180hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged supermini will hit the roads soon, possibly before the summer.
Why's it here?
Ford may be pushing the 'global' car plan with the Focus and Mondeo being offered worldwide, but there was only one place it could officially unveil its latest hot hatch. They are to the Europeans what muscle cars are to Americans and having received such a favourable reception to the concept in Frankfurt the Geneva show represented the first opportunity.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Fast Fords will always attract attention. While not possessing the aspirational qualities as equivalent cars offered by Volkswagen, they do always have an enthusiastic following. Expect the lovely ladies on the Ford stand to be blinded by camera flashes.