Fiesta grows up

Sep 1 2008 Bill Caven

SOMETIMES even the most notorious of so-called 'wild childs' have to accept the inevitable and grow up.

Okay, it clearly hasn't happened in the cases of Peaches Geldoff, Lily Allen and Kelly Osbourne, if their latest antics are to be believed.

But maturity has kicked in for one of Britain's best-loved small characters - the Ford Fiesta.

This lovable hatch has more than pulled its weight down the years to keep the blue oval badge afloat during troubled times.

The Fiesta has quietly gone about its business for more than three decades attracting a whopping 12 million customers to the brand.

Built in three continents and sold in five it has become an established and accepted fixture on our roads.

It was easy to understand the appeal of the car - cheap reliable motoring with a dash of city chic thrown in just for good measure.

This was the recipe that Ford adopted from the outset and it has certainly paid off handsomely down the years.

But now a new and exciting chapter is about to emerge with the next generation Fiesta about to hit our roads.

And let me tell you from the outset that the party is just beginning as it is going to be a monster hit.

Rarely have I been more impressed by a car than this stunning beauty.

Not only has the Fiesta grown up into a handsome young thing, but it oozes manners and class rarely found in the supermini-sector.

Ford knew that it had to come up with something special and the auto maker has certainly delivered.

If the all-new Fiesta doesn't win a clutch of automotive awards by the end of the year then I'll eat my hat.

Ford has shown the courage of its convictions to give the hatch a radical overhaul.

Unlike some manufacturers who merely tinker here and there and carry out only minor cosmetic surgery Ford has gone the whole hog.

Not only is this to be applauded but the marque has once again set the benchmark in this sector just like it did with the Focus and Mondeo.

It's bigger than the outgoing model and Ford's designers elected to go for sharp styling lines that really delight the eye.

Striking, dynamic, sporty, thrusting - all of them apply to the shape and looks of the newcomer.

No matter what colour you see the hatch in, it just looks sensational. Not only will it appeal to the younger brigade but also those forced to downsize their transport requirements.

But the good news for those in that category is that you are certainly not sacrificing on quality and standards.

While the exterior looks are dramatic, the interior is simply a work of art. The finish and materials used are a class above its competitors.

The dashboard lay-out is not only mesmerising but beautifully thought out and bolted together.

From the minute you sit behind the steering wheel there is a lovely sense of excitement about the new Fiesta.

What's more it actually delivers big time when it comes to driving dynamics. At times you have to pinch yourself to realise you are driving a Fiesta and not a Ferrari.

The ride and handling capabilities are exceptional, no matter what the driving conditions.

Ford engineers have been working away feverishly on the powertrains on offer, in this case, four 16-valve Duratec petrol engines and two diesels.

Star of the show is the cleverly calibrated 1.6-litre TDCi which is not only the cleanest around with a CO2 emissions figure of just 98g/km but also squeezes more than 76 miles out of a gallon.

Normally at this stage there is a sting in the tail when you come to mentioning prices - well, fear not.

This fashion trendsetter actually costs less than the current car with prices starting at £8,695 which, in my view, is an absolute steal.