Ford has taken the wraps off the new Ford Fiesta, before its debut at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Ford says the car has been designed for what matters most to small-car customers - space, style, safety, value and best in class driving quality. It will be on sale in the UK in Spring 2002. Prices will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

The new Fiesta

Ford chairman and managing director Ian McAllister said: "This is an extremely important moment for us - after 25 years, Fiesta is still the UK's favourite small car.

"When we launched the Fiesta back in 1976, it effectively created the small car segment. It has been a success ever since, with over 2.5 million sold in the UK. That's a real measure of achievement, and a perfect illustration of just how much Ford knows about building great small cars. I truly believe new Fiesta will carry on that outstanding success.

"The new Fiesta heralds an exciting new chapter for Ford in the small car segment. With its young and exciting new looks, spacious interior, I'm confident the new Fiesta will stay on top and set new standards in its class."

The new Fiesta is wider, taller and longer than the current model, creating extra room for passengers and their luggage.

The wheelbase is 41 mm longer than before, giving rear seat passengers additional knee room. Ford engineers pushed the wheels even further to the corners of the vehicle, giving the new Fiesta the biggest footprint in its segment.

Catering for the diverse range of customers every needs, an extra 14 per cent in luggage space to 284 litres means the new Fiesta can easily accommodate two large suitcases in its boot, or a baby buggy without sacrificing any rear seat room.

Larger rear doors and more rear seat space mean installing a child-seat in the rear is no longer a challenge: even the bulkiest of child seats fits easily. The height-adjustable front seats are 45 mm higher to reinforce the feeling of security afforded by strong outward visibility.

The Fiesta's new-look audio systems and optional navigation system are contained in a central facia unit that is easy to reach by front seat occupants.

The new Fiesta will feature three new engines, which are targeted to deliver fuel economy improvements of up to ten per cent across the range, including a new 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi is a compact, lightweight, aluminium, turbodiesel engine featuring second generation common-rail injection technology.

A new double-overhead cam petrol engine developed from that fitted to the Ford Focus - the Duratec 16V - joins the Fiesta range in two configurations, the 80 horsepower 1.4-litre, and a 100 horsepower 1.6-litre variant.

A low-friction, low fuel consumption engine, the 68 horsepower, 1.3-litre Duratec, also joins the new Fiesta family.

Mr McAllister added: "In Britain, the small car segment accounts for slightly more than 25 per cent of all new car sales. More than any other sector these cars appeal to all types of customers in the UK."