The compact car market has become fiercely contested as North America has been flooded with a deluge or high-quality small cars. Among the competitors is Ford’s Fiesta, which despite its sharp looks and high-quality interior, isn’t selling as well as some other models in the same market. But Ford has an Ace up its sleeve, and it goes by the name of Fiesta ST.

First shown off last November as a concept car, AutoGuide has learned that the Fiesta ST will be coming to the American market, probably sometime in the next year.

The Fiesta ST was last seen at the Geneva Auto Show in “production intent” form, which is basically Ford’s way of saying “If we build it, this is what it will look like.” Under the hood is a 180 horsepower 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine that also cranks out an impressive 177 ft-lbs of torque. Those numbers put it at the top of the pack when it comes to sub-compact car performance.

What’s more, according to Ford’s Marketing Manager Steven Ling, the Fiesta ST will get the same torque-vectoring front differential as the 2013 Focus ST. This will help alleviate problems like torque steer that many front-wheel drive cars suffer from. And please, please, PLEASE Ford, make it a coupe…because the Fiesta looks so much better with two doors instead of four.

The Fiesta ST could reset the sub-compact car market in its favor if Ford prices it right. How much would you pay for this small-but-hot hatchback?