THE Ford Fiesta has dominated UK sales charts for decades and when the last generation model arrived back in 2008 it shot to the top of the charts and stayed there for its entire production run.
I am happy to report that the new model is better than ever and the Fiesta is set to remain the country's favourite buy for the foreseeable future.
That's because it is fun to drive, reasonably priced and offers all the latest kit and infotainment equipment.
A wide range of three and five-door models in five trim levels is available with a choice of five petrol and two diesel engines - so there really is something for everyone in the mix. Buyers can also choose from manual or automatic transmissions.
Entry level Style models start from just under £14,000 but most buyers will select the popularZetecor Titanium models, while there is also a sporty ST Line car and for the first time a for luxuryVignalemodel.A hot ST model is included in the line up to please the boy racers.
The petrol engines will be the big sellers and you can choose from three versions of the 1.0-litreEcoBoost power plants.
I sampled the 98bhp three-cylinder turbocharged unit which provided a great blend of performance and economy.
It reaches 62mph in 10.5 seconds and can go on to a top speed of 113mph, with low emissions of just 97g/km.
With its slick six-speed manual gearbox and stop/start technology it has a claimed combined 65.7mpg figure. I could not match that over a week of average motoring but I certainly got close to 60mpg.
The new Fiesta is extremely agile and provides a comfortable and composed ride. Its lighter steering means it is great to use in town and the new suspension deals well with our bumpy roads.
Slightly larger than the last model, the new Fiesta offers more room inside and four adults can travel in comfort. The exterior styling may not be as sharp as the last model but the interior is avastimprovement and the Titanium model I drove had all the features you could want in asupermini.
For £17,815 you get 10-spoke alloy wheels, Halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, front fogs with cornering lights, LED night signature rear lights, powerfoldabledoor mirrors with puddle lights, rear privacy glass, and aQuickclearheated windscreen - a real bonus in this weather.
You also get an eight-inch touchscreen with DAB radio and Ford SYNC 3 navigation, 2USBsockets and six speakers. In addition you getkeylessstart, cruise control, Ford Easy Fuel, aThatchamalarm. In addition the compact Ford offers all the latest safety equipment and there is scope to personalise your Fiesta with a range of options.