i think so - i reckon that the ford fiesta st is positioned to make a real killing in the aussie market especially:
- will likely have more impressive dynamics, not to mention more torquey drivability than the suzuki swift
- manual, so more of a ''bona fide drivers car'' than the polo
- given that peugeot has gone soft lately, people might be skeptical about the 208's capabilities. that, and even though the 208 looks fantastic, ford is a brand more people will feel comfortable in purchasing
- clio is gonna be sick, but rumors of four door only might put off younger buyers, as well as the fact that the clio will still be commanding probably at least an $8k premium over cars like the fiesta st / polo gti in the aussie market.
Swift sport is non-turbo and will be cheap (5 door). So any driver can own one - P platers included
We have no idea of the cost of the Fiesta ST... Ford will have to try very hard to get it here at the right price and will most likely be 5 door only. Release date is a year away. By that time a facelifted Polo should be out. Personally, i think Ford Australia may bypass the Fiesta ST and just import the Focus ST. Why? Unless they build the Fiesta ST in Thailand then Ford Oz is left with importing from two sources. Its one reason the Fiesta Econetic was dropped here.
Pug 208 should be a ripper, they have dropped a lot of weight out for the new 208. Makes Mazda's Skyactiv propaganda look like a joke
Clio RS should be good no matter what they do. I think 3 door ONLY is a liability in Australia. We seem to prefer hot hatches in 5 door format. Hopefully they have figured out how to make a car handle AND ride. The current model is absolute rubbish as a daily driver. The ride is appalling.
Last edited by steveyoshi; 28-03-2013 at 10:45 PM.
Owner and Operator of 2013 Polo GTI - Sunroof - Xenons - Reflex Silver
APR Stage 2 Tune - HP Carbon Airbox - Jetex Stainless Cat Back Exhaust - APR I/C
Plus a few other bits and pieces.
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