The Fiesta was envisaged to be Ford's first truly globally produced car but was initially only available with engines smaller than 1.3-litres in Europe. However, it had always been designed to accept the 1.6-litre pushrod 'Kent' engine for the US market as the bigger engine compensated for the power lost fitting mandatory smog equipment. By using a European specification 1.6-litre engine with a performance cam and Weber carburettor, Ford's Dunton based 'Special Vehicle Engineering' created a characterful and fun pocket rocket.
Wolfrace Sonic alloys, sports seats and cool graphics increased the showroom appeal further making the £5,500 XR2 a bargain hen launched in mid-1981.