The Fiesta ST is lauded by anyone and everyone, as is the Focus RS (along with the last Focus RS), so I don't think Ford could be accused of not putting passion into their recent products. The most recent sporty Fords have actually been some of the best ever produced when compared to their contemporary rivals. Going back to the XR3i era, they were actually a bit average compared to 205 GTIs and Golf GTIs etc. The Cosworths were a cut above, but the rest of the sporting range rarely led its class. They still sold in big numbers, because the brand in general had a big following, regardless of whether they were any good or not. As I have already said, how good a car actually is is only a small factor in whether it achieves classic status or not.
The Clio 200 Cup has plenty of flaws for example, but I still think it will achieve a relatively high status in years to come. Partly because it is considered as a great hot hatch and had a brilliant reputation with the motoring media, but also because it is the last of a breed, the last of the normally aspirated, 'big engine in a small car' type hot hatches. I don't think it will be as desirable as a 182 Trophy, but it will achieve some status in my view.
That's just it. There are many, many factors as to what makes a car iconic and collectible. It may be motorsport heritage, speed, looks, handling, a limited production run, whether it was on TV or in a film, whether a famous person owned one or even just people wanting one because their dad used to take them to school in one. There are no hard and fast rules.