What's the news?

Ford has already sold over 15 million examples worldwide since its 1976 introduction, but that hasn't stopped the firm taking a scalpel to its Fiesta supermini. Here in Paris the big story is that six of the engines on offer scrape below the magic 100g/km marker. The Fiesta has always majored on fun though, so let's hope the magic ingredients haven't been too diluted in the quest for efficiency.

Exterior

It was already one of the sharpest models in the firm's arsenal, so it's no surprise that the design has come in for little revolution. There are some sharper headlights with LED technology on the higher specification models and what Ford is calling a power-dome bonnet. You'll also spy a larger and more gaping grille, inspired by the new Mondeo also on show at the manufacturer's French stand.

Interior

Buy the new Titanium X model, the first time it's been available in the UK, and you'll enjoy the sort of luxury items more often found in the class above. There are part leather seats, a Sony DAB radio with the firm's SYNC technology and Keyfree entry. It's the SYNC device that's the most newsworthy though, as it features Emergency Assistant to connect occupants to local emergency services in the event of an accident. Active City Stop, already found in the Focus, should do a good job of avoiding any low-speed impacts though.

Slightly more oppressive is the Fiesta's MyKey option. The device allows parents to limit both speed and audio volume for when their children are behind the wheel. So much for that upgraded stereo then...

Mechanicals

Welcome to the front page; this is where it all kicks off for Ford and its Fiesta. We know there are six engines all producing less than 100g/km, but there are four completely new units to choose from as well. Not only is there a 80hp 1.0-litre petrol option with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT) and a 75hp 1.5 TDCi diesel, but the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost pairing (with 100- or 125hp) make it under the bonnet as well.

Those who are desperate to give the environment a helping hand can now choose a special ECOnetic Technology variant promising 87g/km and over 85mpg. At launch the firm's stop-start system will be available on the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, 1.0-litre TI-VCT petrol and 1.6 Duratorq TDCi - the latter developing a healthy 95hp and over 200Nm of torque. Another new introduction for the model is the six-speed Powershift automatic transmission, while the steering, suspension and chassis have all been retuned for greater refinement and comfort.

Anything else?

Finally, the car we've all been waiting for, for what seems like an absolute age is here - well nearly. Ford has at long last announced the Fiesta will be available in ST trim. Part of us had hoped it would have the three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost stroked-up to the max, but alas we'll have to make do without the distinctive thrum as the ST uses a four-cylinder 1.6-litre EcoBoost instead. Still, with 182hp available it should be a hoot - it hits showrooms early next year.

If you can't wait that long, then the new range of regular Fiestas will start at £9,795 and rise to £17,545 for the top spec models.