Ford's 2013 Fiesta - a face-lifted, reworked version of the best-selling hatchback that currently sits at the top of the sales charts. The new car gets Ford's new corporate face – not miles away from that of an Aston Martin, we reckon – matching those of the B-Max and C-Max, while the interior gets tarted up a little too.


What's under the bonnet?
All the selection from the old Fiesta, bar the 1.6 petrol – it's been replaced by a very clever, very efficient 1.0-litre that does everything (in our opinion) miles better. The old 1.4 diesel is on the way out, too – set to be replaced by a 1.5.



What's the kit like?
More comprehensive than before. Every Fiesta comes with MyKey, which allows parents to program a 'teenage-safe' key for their kids - setting a safer maximum speed for the car, and stopping them turning off nannying safety features. Also new is SYNC: A Microsoft developed voice recognition system that works rather well, and even phones the emergency services if the car is involved in an accident. Integrated sat nav will be on the way shortly, too - appearing on the Fiesta's option list for the first time ever.

Any rivals?
Hundreds. Peugeot's 208 is the newest of the pack, while top-sellers like the Corsa are still in Ford's sights. Renault's new Clio will probably be high on the agenda too, with clever new technology and a striking French design. The Fiesta will be hard to beat, though - particularly given the brand's reputation for handling, and the car's stylish looks.


Is it any good?
Yes. The wonderful driving experience remains; now improved by the brilliant, multi-talented 'Ecoboost' 1.0-litre from the Focus and B-Max. The in-car tech is pretty impressive too - SYNC works well, and MyKey should prove popular with parents and kids alike.

The AOL Cars Verdict
There was never really much wrong with the old Fiesta, but by bringing some new technology to the table, Ford have kept the best-seller fresh. We think the old one might have been a shade prettier, but it's still a striking-looking machine too. It always was the best in its class, and that remains true for the new model.

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