There had been speculation that the new model would drop the Fiesta name-tag and take on the Verve name that adorned the 2007 Frankfurt Show concept car. The production version will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.

The sixth generation Fiesta will again be offered in three- and five-door bodystyles with a choice of four petrol and three diesel engines, the most interesting of which is the Econetic version, claimed to boast CO2 emission figures of 115g/km.

Other engines are 60hp and 80hp versions of the 1.25-litre petrol, as well as 91hp 1.4- and 115hp 1.6-litre petrols, while 1.4- (68hp) and 1.6-litre (90hp) diesel options will be offered.

The latter two powerplants — and hopefully the Econetic — are likely to feature in the three-door Van versions, but don't expect to see these launched in the UK until early 2009.