Ford will bring its next-generation small car to the U.S., providing an option below the freshened-and-hanging-on Focus.
Previewed as the trio of Verve concepts - the most recent having been shown at the 2008 Detroit show - the production car will wear the Fiesta badge. That name was last used in America briefly in the late 70s, but makes perfect sense given its long history in Europe.
The new Fiesta will be sold all over the world, first appearing in Europe (where production will begin this fall), then in Asia, South Africa, and Australia. Americans will be the last to get the Fiesta in 2010. Europe will get three- and five-door hatches to start, with those and additional bodystyles going to different regions based on market demand - the U.S. should see a sedan and at least one hatch.
Engine options on the Continent will include three engines ranging in output from 59 to 113 hp. A pair of diesels make 67 and 89 hp - we're crossing our fingers in hopes that one of them makes it to our market.
The Fiesta is the second of what we hope will be a never-ending stream of European Fords coming to the States; plans were recently announced to import the Transit Connect extra-mini work van. We'd vote for the real Focus next, followed by a solid mid-sizer like the Mondeo.
We'll get our first look at the Fiesta at the 2008 Geneva auto show.
Click the links below for high-resolution Fiesta images, as well as Verve concept coverage.