THERE is a confusingly wide range of models in the present Ford Fiesta range built from 2017 - and most of them are powered by the same engine.

That is extended further by the fact that it's available as a three or five door hatch, and as the mild SUV looking Active or the very swift and sporty ST.

It has been - as most people know - the best selling new and secondhand car for many years and that's because it's such a good all rounder and has consistently been rated better than other great superminis like the VW Polo .

The Fiesta looks good, and it's well built, reasonably priced, decently spacious inside, and really good fun to drive.

With this latest model, diesel options were dropped to leave an all-petrol powered range.

Obviously, the diesels - both 1.5 TDCIs - are still available secondhand. They have either 85 or 120bhp and are capable of over 60 miles per gallon.

Five of the petrol engines are the same size - Ecoboost 1.0-litre three cylinder turbos - and the remaining one is 1.1-litres. This last has 75bhp and can do 53 miles per gallon, but it is very slow, taking 14.2 seconds to reach 60 miles an hour from rest.

The 1.0-litre turbos start with a 95 or 100bhp version that covers the sprint in 10.5 seconds and can do 56mpg.

Then come two models with 125bhp. The first is a straight turbo that gets to 60 in 9.1 seconds and can do 50 miles per gallon, and the second is a mild hybrid petrol/electric that takes 9.3 seconds to 60 but can do 56mpg.

Finally comes a 155bhp version of the diminutive turbo that can reach 60 in 8.6 seconds and yet still do 55mpg.

Obviously the higher powered models are the better performers but all are huge fun to drive with very agile handling, fantastic grip, and superbly informative and precise steering.

Cornering is safe and sure with little body roll and yet comfort is right up there with the best in class too.

The Fiesta has long been revered for this superb combination of comfort and handling prowess, and many make it the benchmark for other superminis to aim at.

The quality of the ride helps to make it very easy to live with on the rough town roads we face every day, and parking and manoeuvring are very easy, with a tight turning circle and a stall prevention system.

Out on the motorway, all models can hold their own, but the base 1.1-litre has no performance to spare.

Interior space is good enough for four adults to ride in comfort, with decent legroom and well-shaped supportive front seats.

However, a slight downside is lack of headroom for tall passengers in the back, and the optional sunroof also cuts headroom in the front quite drastically.

Although there are three and five door models, never buy a three door if you have young children. Getting them into child seats is a recipe for a very bad back!

Most models come with voice activated multimedia, and with Active City Stop - Ford's automatic emergency braking system designed to prevent low-speed accidents.

Titanium models get audio remote control, loads of airbags, alloys, an alarm, sat nav, steering reach and rake adjustment, height adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, folding back seats and heated mirrors.

There are plenty of Fiestas to choose from so check prices and don't pay over the odds.

Pay around £7,100 for a '17 17-reg Zetec Ecoboost 1.0T 100bhp 5 door, or £9,950 for a '19 19-reg Titanium Ecoboost 1.0T 125bhp 3 door.