UK website Autocar reports that the Ford Fiesta ST (sold locally as the Fiesta XR4) has been shelved indefinitely. This could very well mean that the little hot-hatch may never see the light of day.

It’s a shame for small car enthusiasts as our recent road test of the Ford Fiesta Zetec, which sits below the ST in the range, found the Fiesta experience to be worthy of its widespread praise.

All hope is not lost however, with Autocar’s insider at Ford having this to say on the possibility of the Fiesta ST reaching the market later down the track:

“We may have a better opportunity to make the ST later on in the car’s life, when Ford’s direct-injection petrol engines are ready and the range would benefit more from the extra interest surrounding such a car. But not until 2012 at the earliest.”

Given the popularity of the Fiesta, Ford should think carefully before completely axing such a halo model. The knock-on sales effect to the rest of the range could be worth the investment alone. We’ll keep you posted as more information comes to light.

[Source: Autocar]