With its sharp steering and nimble road holding, the current Ford Fiesta is a joy to drive, but it's also been begging for more power from day one.
That will eventually arrive in epic quantity when the ST makes its long-overdue appearance, but in the meantime Ford is offering us a more powerful version of the current naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine.
It comes in a new special edition called the Magnet, which is limited to just 75 units.
Its power output has risen from 88kW to 99kW, while torque is up from 152Nm to 160Nm. The Magnet also receives a sport suspension set-up.
In an interesting throwback to the Model T days, the Magnet is available in any exterior colour, as long as it's black.
PLENTY FLASH
Its flashy exterior treatment brings 17-inch alloy wheels to the party, along with bumper spoilers, rocker-panel mouldings, rear tailgate spoiler, unique grille surround and halogen projector headlights with black bezels.
Sink inside and you'll find black leather sports seats (heated up front) with silver stitching, as well as alloy-covered pedals and a steering wheel with black spoke shells.
It's also been packed up with luxury features like automatic cruise control, climate control and an audio system with Bluetooth and voice control.
Ford's beefed up the safety equation too, with the usual front airbags joined by side and curtain 'bags and a driver's knee airbag, while those battling to harness the Fiesta's 99 ponies will enjoy the protection of a traction control system.
Although Ford has squeezed a great deal of content into this small package, it is on the pricey side at R229 000. Especially considering the current Fiesta will soon be going into run-out phase as Ford prepares to launch the facelifted model early next year.