2008 Ford Fiesta

It will meet the demands of a hue range of customers and will be a serious proposition for UK customers considering down-sizing. These people want the looks, the feel and the specification of a larger car but in a smaller package at lower prices.

Prices range from £8,695 up to £13,695 and a long list of extra cost options, not necessarily needed, will push the prices higher and it will cost an extra £300 for the Electronic Stability Programme which should be fitted as standard.

When I counted up the number of models in the all new Fiesta range which make their debut in UK dealerships in October there are 40 different variants to choose from. These are made up of three and five-door versions and sales are traditionally split 50/50 between the two body styles.

There are revised or new four petrol and two diesel engine options. The petrol engines are expected main selling 1.25-litre 60PS and 82PS units plus the 1.4-litre 96PS engine and the all-new 1.6-litre 120PS powerplant.

The TDCi diesel engines are 1.4-litre 68PS and a 1.6-litre 90PS units. In addition there are the three and five-door 1.6-litre TDCi ECOnetic thrifty fuel and CO2 saving variants. Manual and automatic transmissions are also in the line-up. Not all engines are offered with each specification.

Studio specification is the headline grabbing starter price at £8,695 but it is expected that only two per cent of all-new Fiesta sales will be for this specification. It is offered only in three door body form with 1.25-litre petrol and 1.4-litre TDCi engine options but has body coloured bumpers, Intelligent Protection System, reach and rake-adjustable steering and power mirrors as standard.

Style specification from £9,295 adds body coloured, powered and heated door mirrors, electric front windows and remote central locking. A bright headlamp finish completes its stylish exterior.

Style + from £10,395 adds the comfort and convenience of air conditioning and Quickclear windscreen.

Anticipated to account for 50% of all-new Fiesta sales, Style and Style + offer a choice of engines including 1.25 and 1-4-litre Duratec petrol with a choice of power outputs.

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