IN THIS FEATURE Successor to the XR2i Do the dynamics live up to the promise? The real revelation

The Zetec-S version of the Fiesta shares much of the visual punch of the ST, but with lower output 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. The petrol develops 100bhp, while the diesel generates 90bhp. 4Car drove the diesel Zetec-S and found it to be the revelation of the day. Sure, its not nearly as quick as the ST - Ford claims a top speed of 112mph and 0-60mph in 11.2secs - but it has 151lb ft of torque from a low 1750rpm. That means you can stick the Zetec-S diesel in third and happily dispatch a twisting country lane without having to shift up or down every few seconds. And on its less aggressive 16-inch wheels, we found the Zetec's suspension more compliant and the chassis more communicative. In short, the Zetec-S is more fun to drive than its bigger brother ST. The Zetec-S is also cheaper to buy - £12,495 compared with £13,595 for the ST - and a lot easier to insure as it is in insurance group 6E to the ST's 13E. For the record, the petrol Zetec-S costs £11,595 and lives in insurance group 7E.

So there you have it, more evidence of the relentless march of diesel. Looking back all misty-eyed at the XR2i, you'd have been laughed out of town in those days for suggesting a diesel Fiesta might be more fun. But that was then and this is now...