| All-new model | 2008 British International Motor Show | 2009 Ford Fiesta |

Ford has revealed full details of the new Fiesta, which will sell in more global markets than ever before, prompting Ford to state that it is one of its most important cars since the Model T.

First seen at the Geneva Motor Show this year the new Fiesta carries over the main design themes of last year's Verve concept car. There are also elements of the latest Mondeo and Focus in the Fiesta's shape.

Under the skin, high strength steel is extensively incorporated and the new car is approximately ten percent stiffer than the outgoing Fiesta. Despite this beefing up, weight has been reduced by forty kilograms. While the stiffer body helps protect the occupants - also benefitting from up to seven air bags - the Fiesta has been designed to minimise the risk of pedestrian injury too.

Powering the new Fiesta is a range of petrol and diesel motors. The top petrol engine is an all-new, 118bhp, 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT unit while three other 16-valve Duratec petrol engines are offered in 1.25- and 1.4-litre sizes. Power outputs for the smaller petrol engines range from 59bhp to 95bhp. Ford has not yet revealed details of the Duratorq diesel engines but it is likely that the 67bhp and 89bhp 1.4- and 1.6-litre units will be carried over from the current Fiesta.

A 1.6-litre diesel will power the Fiesta ECOnetic, which is rated at 99g/km for carbon dioxide emissions and achieves combined cycle fuel consumption of 65mpg. For comparison, the Zetec S - powered by the 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine - can return combined fuel economy of 47.9 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 139g/km. Claimed performance for the Zetec S is 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds. In-gear acceleration is said to be improved by 14 percent across the new Fiesta range.

The new Fiesta's cabin apes that of the Verve concept car. The centre console layout resembles the keypad of a mobile phone and on the Zetec and Titanium models the 'Aesthetic Lighting Pack' bathes the console, gearshift and passenger side dashboard in a soft red glow. Other key features include automatic projector headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers and keyless entry combined with a "Ford Power" start button.

The Ford Fiesta will go into production in Europe this summer and UK sales will commence in the autumn. Unlike previous Fiestas, which have been designed exclusively for European tastes, the new car has been designed to sell in Asia, the Americas, Australia and South Africa. British buyers will get their first viewing at next week's British Motor Show.

John Lambert - 15 Jul 2008