Fiesta to be a big hit.

Byline: By Chris Russon

IT is being described as the most important new Ford since the Model T and it's a car with a global mission.

The new Ford Fiesta goes on sale in October and even the most basic models will feature advanced crash protection, central locking, electrically adjustable door mirrors and a device to prevent misfuelling.

Priced from pounds 8,695 - pounds 155 cheaper than the previous version - the eighth generation of the Fiesta will again set the benchmark in the supermini class.

Sweeping lines, wraparound headlamps, a pronounced double-grille and a sloping roof are accentuated by sharp body cuts which give the Fiesta a sporty presence unlike any of its predecessors.

Fifty five per cent of the Fiesta is made up of high tensile steel which makes it 40 kilos lighter than the outgoing model yet ten per cent stiffer. That adds up to better handling and much improved fuel economy.

A new 1.6-litre petrol engine is making its debut in the Fiesta and is capable of averaging a claimed 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 139g/ km putting it in the pounds 130 a year road tax bracket for private buyers.

Buyers of the diesel engined 1.6-litre ECOnetic versions will escape charges completely thanks to its 98g/ km CO2 rating - the lowest of any family car to date.

Combine that with low insurance bandings of one to six and the latest Fiesta certainly has cost-effective motoring at its heart.

The engine line up may sound familiar with 1.25, 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesels but all have been tweaked to deliver more power but with added economy.

Average consumption from any of the manual petrol versions should be in the 50mpg region while the diesels are closer to 70mpg - and the ECOnetic has a target mpg of 76.3 when it arrives later in the year.

I have just tried both 1.6-litre engines and, while the diesel is no slouch at under 12 seconds 0-60, plenty of mid-range power from its 90bhp and claimed 109mph top speed, it is the new Ti- VCT petrol engine which is the star.

With more than enough performance in a small car - 0 to 60 in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 120mph - combined with its frugal consumption it offers the best of both worlds.

The new Fiestas also feature electronic power steering tuned to make them as easy to park as they are responsive at cruising speed and an anti-stall device to help while manoeuvring.

Both three and five door versions will be available from launch with six trim levels The top range Titanium models are priced from pounds 12,095 and feature automatic lights and wipers as well as cruise control - a first in a car of this size.

The new Fiesta is bigger and more comfortable than previous versions and luggage space is now up nine litres to 295 litres.

The new model is such a leap forward in all aspects it's sure to hit top spot.