A LINE-UP of low emission engines will make the Ford Fiesta one of the cheapest cars to run when new tax rules come into play next spring.
All models, with the exception of the 1.6-litre petrol automatic, have CO2 emissions below 150g/km meaning private buyers will pay less in road fund duty from March.
There is even the promise of tax free motoring when a 98g/km ECOnetic Fiesta comes on stream in the new year.
Entry level 1.25-litre petrol engined models will average around 50mpg while diesels will be closer to 70mpg.
With the ECOnetic treatment a claimed 76mpg average will be possible.
The new Fiesta is moving upmarket as the seventh generation of Britain's favourite hatch goes on sale. As well as its traditional audience it's also hoping to catch those who are downsizing from larger models.
It is priced from £8,695 for a 1.25, three-door model in Studio trim to £13,695 for a 1.6-litre diesel five-door in top specification Titanium finish.
However, extras - which will create a Fiesta the likes of which has never been seen before - can push the end price beyond £15,000.
Five engine sizes are available - 1.25, 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol and 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesels.
None are duffers and while the tried and tested 1.25 is more at home around town it can hold its own on the motorway. Just don't expect too much if rapid power is required.
The pick of the bunch for performance are the 1.6 versions but at the moment these will set you back a minimum of £12,500. The ECOnetic will be a 1.6 diesel but cheaper, probably around £11,500.
Handling is top notch - but Ford always seems to have a knack of getting the best out of vehicle dynamics.
The new Fiesta looks neat and in some paint jobs such as the vibrant Hot Magenta or Avalon Green its shape is striking.
It is inside where the latest Fiesta really moves up a gear. You have never seen such a classy interior in a small Ford before.
Spec it out in colour-coded leather upholstery and matching trim and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a luxury executive car costing three times as much.
The finish is highly contemporary and so is the design of the instruments - inspired by a mobile phone keypad.
All models have an information display screen but sat nav is going to be from a Tom Tom, Garmin or the like. There is no factory fitted navigation system, which is probably a good thing as they are hugely expensive.
Even base trim looks the part although the large rotary selector for the heating or air con is not as snazzy as the digital read out on the automatic climate system on the top specification Titanium trim.
A sound system which takes MP3 players is standard but full iPod connection and Bluetooth phone system are options.
The biggest oversight is the lack of electronic stability controls as standard. The system can be a life saver but it's a £300 extra - but be tempted to raid the piggy bank and pack as much in as possible from the options list.
This car deserves the personal touch and there are plenty of ways to turn the new Fiesta from excellent to fantastic.