IT'S one thing weathering a storm, quite another dealing it a mighty smack in the eye.

Not only has Ford battled its way through a recession and unfavourable exchange rates but the Blue Oval has delivered a hefty blow to its rivals.

Latest figures saw sales of the Ford Fiesta not only rise by more than 25 per cent but it also become Europe's top selling car ahead of the Volkswagen Golf.

And in the UK, the American marque continues to play the old one-two, with Fiesta topping the pile ahead of stablemate the Focus.

But then more than 12 million Fiestas have been sold over the past three decades, one model or another having touched the lives of most households along the way.

The latest generation is not only the most stylish yet, it also boasts more space than any of its predecessors and has big car refinement in the bargain.

On the road, the Fiesta is a rewarding car to drive - nippy and responsive around town, simple to park, smooth and solid at the legal limit on the motorway.

Best of all though is the car's interior quality with its upmarket finish, trendy instrument design - inspired by a mobile phone keypad - while all models boast an information display screen.

Those wishing to go a step further can opt for the flagship Titanium Individual trim which brings in a raft of extras like Bluetooth with voice control, built in USB connection, privacy glass, cruise control and 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Its stand-out feature though is the leather upholstery. The seats are two-tone with contrast stitching and have Individual embossed in them at shoulder height and there's also a colour co-ordinated steering wheel and gear knob.

The car's designated colour is red which according to Ford "is the colour of passion and Individual will ignite yours". Only problem is that it isn't red, the colour's more a hue somewhere between Burgundy and crimson.

Individual also comes at a price, £850 to be exact and when added on to the £15,445 cost of a Fiesta Titanium five-door it brings the price to a princely £16,295 - and that's a lot of money to shell out for a Fiesta.

Otherwise, you are looking at a simple, straightforward and extremely desirable small car that's comfortable for those in the back, has an excellent driving position and is well tuned to everyday driving.