KEY POINTS:
Ford's Fiesta supermini, always pretty accomplished but seldom exciting-looking, has gone decidedly funky in its latest incarnation.
The new mod- el of the car, which is set to be laun-ched at the Geneva Motor Show next month, takes many of styling cues from the striking Verve con-cept created by Ford last year.
The Fiesta's new look also picks up on the so-called "kinetic" styling philosophy being adopted by all of Ford's new cars, including the latest Mondeo.
The Fiesta will be available in three- and five-door versions, with both showcasing a coupe-like high waistline and tapered rear.
Much of the Verve concept's inter- ior, which was a futuristic, mobile phone-inspired design, will be carried through to the production car.
The centre console will feature a tray for MP3 players complete with built-in sockets for an auxiliary audio and USB cables, as well as the traditional 12-volt outlet to allow the car's audio system to control and charge the MP3 player.
The existing 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol units are joined by a new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT option.
The TDCi common-rail diesel engine options will also continue, and electric-power assist steering is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time.
The Fiesta is being launched across Europe later this year, and expect a New Zealand release late this year or early next year.
