Probably because the Focus SVT is being hyped so much in the Media. In all the big magazine tests it trashes the competition in overall scores. Also keep in mind that this car is youth oriented and low priced...so there will be high demand for the limited production run.
If you ask me, a car like this should just be an option code for ANY model Focus sold, not a limited edition 2-door SVT model. Thats right, they should have an "SVT" option code for the 3,4,5 door and wagon versions

but not call them SVTs.
BTW, I has to pay MSRP on my E1 back in June of '98. Had I been a little more patient and wise, I could have gotten it cheaper
