Ford will launch the new Fiesta in three-door and five-door versions from October, priced from £8,695.

John Fleming, president and chief executive of Ford of Europe, said chief among a range of improvements would be the extension of the ECOnetic ultra-low CO2 range, with a new 1.6-litre ECOnetic Duratorq TDCi offering CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.

Ford is also introducing a new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine and a Zetec S model for driving enthusiasts.

Ford is fitting specially-tuned electric power assist steering to offer low-speed steering ease with more direct driver feedback at higher speeds.

The firm said the new Fiesta would have robust safety performance, with more than 55 per cent of body structure made of high-strength steels.

The car is about 40 kilogrammes lighter than previous Fiesta, contributing to improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The car will be fitted with Ford's 'Intelligent Protection System' with a standard knee airbag and head-and-thorax side airbags, with optional safety curtain airbags, and an array of pedestrian protection features.

The car will also use Ford's EasyFuel capless refuelling system, keyless entry and the Ford Power' start button.

Mr Fleming said: "I believe this is the most dramatic Fiesta since the very first model and it is the most complete and expressive interpretation yet of our kinetic design philosophy, echoing both inside and out the major elements of the exciting Verve Concept vehicles that inspired such a positive reaction around the world. Over the past 32 years, Fiesta has consistently been at the top of the list of Europe's best-selling cars."