Ford’s current Fiesta will bid farewell with a final special edition model based on the Fiesta Zetec S.

The Ford Fiesta Zetec S Red is the latest in the manufacturer’s line of colourful special edition models, starting with the yellow ‘Anniversary’ model and followed by the green ‘Celebration’ version.

With both of those models selling out quickly, 400 ‘Red’ Fiestas will go on sale as the final variant of the model before it gets replaced by a newer version in October.

With Ford’s 100bhp 1.6-litre engine under bonnet, the Zetec S Red gets – surprisingly – distinctive Colorado Red paintwork, as well as a very MINI-like chequered flag roof and privacy glass.

Also available with leather seats, a heated windscreen, alloy wheels and air-conditioning, the Zetec S Red will be priced at £13,000.

Meet one of the most important cars of the 21st Century – the new Ford Fiesta.

The latest evolution of a 32 year old motoring dynasty, the latest Fiesta has been eagerly anticipated since the first spy shots revealed it was going to be a sharper and sportier model than ever before.

And the final production shots don’t disappoint!

Available as a three or five-door, the rakish Fiesta takes plenty of styling cues from the Verve concept car that wowed crowds at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, ensuring the same aggressive front-end, sculpted flanks and compact rear-end have been carried over.

Indeed, the Fiesta is quite a looker compared to its relatively bland forbears as it seeks to capitalise on the success of the sporty Fiat Punto, Vauxhall Corsa and Mazda2.

Things are equally dramatic inside where the previous model’s plain, grey fascia is replaced with brighter colours, intricate detailing and superior build quality than before.

It will be a high-tech place to spend time too as Ford will offer Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as keyless entry and voice control to ensure that this is truly a car designed for the iPod generation.

Contrary to its previous unassuming appearance, the Fiesta was always an enjoyable car to drive, but with the new model being based on the same platform as the Mazda2, the new Fiesta is now far better placed to handle as well as it looks. It is also lighter than the car it replaces.

Five heavily-revised engines, as well as one all-new powerplant, will be available, with four petrol units and a pair of diesel engines making up the extensive line-up. The entry-level 1.25-litre will be available with two power outputs (60bhp and 79bhp), rising up to a 1.4-litre and a brand new 1.6-litre engine. The increasing demand for diesels in superminis means a 1.4-litre TDCi and 1.6-litre TDCi unit will be available too.

The Fiesta will also be available with Ford’s new ECOnetic ‘green scheme’, which will see the car altered inside and out in order to drop its CO2 levels to below 100g/km. Set to go head-to-head with the Polo Bluemotion, the Fiesta ECOnetic will be exempt from road tax.

In all, six trim levels will also be available, while Ford will preview the future ST model with the launch of the Zetec S, which will get that new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine. It will act as the Fiesta’s flagship until the ST range topper goes on sale some time in 2009.

The Fiesta is the first of its kind to be designed entirely from Ford’s European base in Germany, although it is likely to roll out on several other continents after it goes on sale on the mainland in October. A four-door saloon version has already been previewed and is likely to go on sale in the USA as their penchant for smaller cars continues to increase.

John Fleming, the President and CEO of Ford Europe, 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." He also went on to suggest it echoed the major elements of the Verve Concept vehicles "that inspired such a positive reaction around the world."

Over 32 years Ford have sold an incredible 12 million Fiestas, making it an icon of motoring to this day. The latest model is likely to increase that significantly.

By day it is a mild-mannered, best-selling family hatchback, but by night Ford’s Focus transforms into something rather more exciting. Yes, the RS is back!

For those who find Ford’s critically acclaimed Focus ST just isn’t focused enough, the RS returns to assume its role as the motoring equivalent of Jekyll and Hyde.

Although an RS version of the latest Focus has been in the pipeline for some years, it has taken a while for the model to get the green-light from bosses who were worried about making it profitable. However, with the Focus doing so well in the World Rally Championship, the RS merely serves to celebrate that.

Taking inspiration from the iconic Escort RS Cosworth, the Focus RS is considerably more muscular than the ST, with its deep chin spoiler, lowered suspension and distinctive rear-wing, giving the impression it really is a rally car for the road.

Set to go head-to-head with the recently launched Mitsubishi Evo X and Subaru Impreza WRC, the RS gets an uprated version of the ST’s 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine. The first time an RS has received a five-cylinder engine, this model has been tuned to provide 296bhp – a 74bhp hike over the ST.

Set to reach a limited 155mph top speed and hit 60mph in less than six seconds, the RS will certainly have the pace to match its looks, but perhaps the most surprising feature of the new car is the fact that it will remain front-wheel drive.

Although the previous Focus RS, which was on sale for a limited time in 2002, was also front-wheel drive, it was generally criticised for having far too much torque steer, a common problem with cars that have too much power going to the front-wheels only.

While the ST – which is more powerful than the previous RS – has managed to get around this relatively well, having 296bhp being sent to just two wheels is an entirely new challenge for the Ford engineers.

Nonetheless, Ford claim to have gotten round this with an intricate suspension set-up – masterminded by specialists Quaife – that has been designed to eradicate torque steer using a limited slip differential. While some may mourn the passing of a wheel-spinning fast Ford, the signature of previous models, Ford have decided this is the way to go in order to keep weight down overall.

The RS will go on sale later this year after it gets its first public unveiling at the British Motor Show, with a price tag that is set to undercut that of the more technologically-advanced Evo X.

Ford’s innovative Focus ECOnetic has won Whatgreencar.com’s increasingly pertinent Car of the Year award 2008.

The 1.6-litre diesel model was launched earlier this year in reaction to the importance that the frugality factor and ‘green’ credentials are beginning to play when purchasing a car.

The ECOnetic Focus gets a lower grille, revised bumpers and low rolling resistant tyres compared to the existing model, while a reconfigured engine also helps it emit just 115g/km of CO2, making it the cleanest car in its class – including Toyota’s Prius hybrid.

Rivalling Volkswagen’s similar ‘Bluemotion’ economy-conscious range, the ECOnetic methods will be rolled out over various models in the Ford range, with the Mondeo and the new Fiesta also set to get the treatment in the coming months.

Indeed, the pioneering Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion also fared well amongst the six independent judges, although it was considered the Focus, with its more involving driving experience and added practicality, was the most rounded green option. Priced at £16,845 for the 1.6-litre TDCi model, the ECOnetic is just £250 more than the Style model it is based on.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Drivers want to be green but without giving up comfort and performance or paying a high price. Ford ECOnetics answer that demand and I'm delighted that Whatgreencar? has recognised this."

Elsewhere, the panel also recommended the Polo Bluemotion and the BMW 118i, the latter of which uses the manufacturer’s Efficient Dynamics modifications.

The relentless charge towards more eco-friendly machines has seen the sales of ‘green’ Ford models surge 38% in the first six months of this year.

With increasing petrol prices and road tax prompting people to think carefully about their next car, Ford have become a forerunner in offering low emission, frugal cars.

Starting off with the standard 1.4-litre TDCi engined Fiesta, the launch of the ECOnetic range, which features the Focus, Fusion and Mondeo models, has proved to be a significant success for Ford.

The new Fiesta will also join the ECOnetic range this year when it is launched at this month’s British Motor Show in London.

"The British motor show is scheduled to bring half a million car enthusiasts to Ford's East London heartland," said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director. As well as seeing the new Fiesta, he also said that "Many will pass our wind-powered Dagenham plant on the way, where annual production will top 1,000,000 engines this year in response to the shift to eco-friendly models."

The figures were compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), who otherwise revealed that car sales have dropped significantly since the start of the year.

Nonetheless, Ford bucked the trend by seeing retail sales rise by 7.6%. Although the re-organisation of their fleet sales means this falls to just a 1.1% rise overall, the launch of the new Fiesta and Kuga 4x4 are set to increase this further by the end of the year.