Ford Fiesta Red Edition

It has been a phenomenal success story, with the car not only winning award after award but also getting better and better thanks to the arrival of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that was named International Engine of the Year in 2012 and 2013.

The latest version of the Fiesta was launched in late 2012, with a new exterior design, refined interior and Ford technologies including the company’s Sync voice-activated connectivity system, low-speed collision avoidance system, and MyKey, which enables parents to place certain restrictions on young drivers to promote safer driving.

This upgrading coincided with the trend to downsize from bigger and more expensive cars into smaller, more economical cars that still come with lots of little luxuries and safety features.

High-specification versions have accounted for almost half of Fiestas sold.

Then for those looking for a more sporty drive, along came the Fiesta ST providing all the fun you could possibly want from an £18,000 car.

And now there’s a rather striking Fiesta that sits between supermini and hot-hatch and will press the right buttons for those looking for a spirited drive and head-turning looks.

The two-tone Fiesta Red Edition and Black Edition are the most powerful ever volume production 1.0-litre road cars. This 140 PS version does in fact offer more power-per-litre than a Bugatti Veyron or Ferrari 458 Speciale.

So what else do you get for the £16,145 price tag?

The Race Red model has a gloss black roof and detailing, while the Panther Black model comes with a gloss red roof, and with 17-inch black alloy wheels they both look the part.

To get the best out of that more powerful engine, the Fiesta’s renowned driving dynamics are enhanced by sports suspension with tuned steering and revised gearing.

You notice the difference as soon as you prod the accelerator for the first time.

The regular versions of the EcoBoost engine are certainly no slouches, but there’s an added zip to the performance here that will appeal to those looking for a more spirited performer.

The 140 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost features a unique calibration with new settings for turbocharger boost control, valve-timings, intercooler and throttle management to deliver 12 per cent more power and an even sportier driving experience with 0-62 mph acceleration in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 201 125 mph, while still delivering a claimed average 62.8 mpg fuel efficiency and 104 g/km CO2 emissions.

My experience over a week of driving the Red Edition was that a 50mpg economy figure was more realistic.

The three-door models feature front upper and lower grille surrounds, front bumper aerofoil and mirror caps in contrasting colours, while the body kit offers front and rear sports bumpers, side skirts and rear roof spoiler.

With a five-speed manual gearbox and well-judged set of ratios to deal with all types of urban motoring, brisk acceleration is easily achieved without any major effort from the driver or engine, while the latter’s off-beat three-pot thrum is surprisingly endearing and only really becomes audibly vocal when pushed hard.

With the lightweight engine under its bonnet the Fiesta changes direction with ease and the fast-acting turbo motor ensures a quick response.

Inside the cabin, you will find a host of nice touches, including gloss black centre stack and door handles, black leather sports steering wheel and gear lever gaiter with red stitching, black floor mats with red stitching and and charcoal black sport seats with contrasting red stitching and bolster exteriors.

The dashboard, centre console and instrument panel are largely as you would find in any other Fiesta, which means that what looked modern and even innovative a few years ago is now started to look decidedly dated.

The Fiesta desperately needs touchscreen technology to bring it in line with other cars in this price bracket.

That’s my only criticism of a car and engine that continue to deliver in spades.

With an expanded choice of specification and engines, it’s hard to see the Fiesta being knocked off its perch for a long time to come.

At a glance

Ford Fiesta Red Edition

Price: £16,145

Engine: 1.0-litre EcoBoost, producing 140PS

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Performance: Top speed 125mph; 0 to 62mph in 9.0 seconds

Economy: 62.8mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 104g/km