FORD is still taking the applause as the popularity of the car maker's products continues to amaze buyers and observers alike.
Not only have an incredible 100,000 new Fiestas been sold in Britian since the car went on sale in October, 2008, but September, 2009 has seen the car giant set a new mark for overall car sales with more than 54,500 new Ford models leaving UK dealerships, a 22.2% increase over the same period of 2008.
This figure is twice the size of the overall market increase after a busy period with the 59 plate and scrappage registrations and shows Ford accounting for more than one in seven new UK vehicle sales.
With the new Fiesta having led the way in this September extravaganza, Ford has decided to keep the ball rolling for this cracking little car by tweaking the line up to widen its appeal even further.
The range now consists of six models, Studio, Edge, ECOnetic, Zetec, Titanium and Zetec S with five engine options, 1.25-litre petrol, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol or diesel choice paired with five-speed manual gearbox.
Pricing opens up at £10,895 for the 1.25-litre three-door Studio model rising through £11,465 for the 1.25 Edge three-door and topping out at £15,545 for the five-door 1.6 TDCi Titanium model.
However, Ford is aware that customers are always keen to personalise their cars, says Ford Marketing Director Mark Simpson and this new Fiesta line up includes a Special Edition carrying the weighty title Fiesta Titanium Individual.
Six different colours are on offer for the outside along with seven-spoke 16 inch alloys plus sporty side skirts while a striking interior boasts unique premium leather seats liveried in red and silver. Powered by the 1.4-litre 96bhp petrol engine, Titanium Individual is priced from £15,145 for the three-door model and £15,445 for the five-door.
This is certainly very much a driver's car. Handling ability and agility it has in spades while the distinctive appearance of the Titanium Individual definitely made its mark with onlookers.
This latest Ford Fiesta is most certainly the business and should you feel the need for reassurance when thinking 'do I look alright in this', take a glance in a convenient shop window when stopped at traffic lights and feel totally convinced.
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw