More style for upmarket Fiesta

Motoring editor Peter Carroll reports from the European launch of the new Ford Fiesta in Italy.

Anyone thinking of downsizing their car to a smaller model in the coming months should put the new Ford Fiesta on their list.

That's because the latest version of the formerly humble hatch has really been taken upmarket by Ford.

The supermini bearing the Blue Oval badge has been a consistent best seller across Europe for 32 years. There have been five generations of the car and more than 12 million have been sold.

But there has never been a Fiesta like the one which will arrive in West Midlands showrooms in October.

Ford bosses called for a radical reworking of the car after deciding that more style and premium features were needed in order for it to remain a best-seller.

Which is why the new Fiesta boasts boasts an exciting, dynamic new look – very close to that of the Verve concept unveiled at the Frankfurt show last year. Its sculpted curves are completely different to the more boxy look of the outgoing car.

Inside, if anything, things are even better. The Fiesta has a spacious, classy interior with a novel dashboard panel inspired by the design of mobile phones.

It also comes with a bespoke audio unit which can play tracks from memory sticks – meaning that you can leave your iPod safely at home.

The car is around the same size as the outgoing model but has more legroom and boot space. It is also 40kg lighter – yet stronger and more rigid thanks to the use of lightweight steel.

And having just driven it for 200 miles through the hills of Tuscany I reckon Ford has a real winner on its hands.

Keen drivers will be delighted with the new car's handling.

I drove the new 1.6 litre 120hp petrol engine, which was peppy and good fun, along with the frugal yet refined 90hp 1.6 diesel.

I think the new Fiesta will not only prove a huge hit – it even has the potential to dent sales of the Focus.

It really is that good. . .