REGENT MOTORS, THE local importer for Ford vehicles, recently announced the return of the Fiesta to the current line-up. The compact hatchback now comes with a 1.6-litre engine and deliveries start immediately. The price is set at a very attractive $66,900 with COE, which includes six-months free instalments (capped at $700 each).

The new 100bhp four-cylinder Duratec engine is mated to a new, fully automatic four-speed gearbox, and both conspire to see that the Fiesta’s timing for the 0-100km/h sprint takes just 11.9 seconds (look out for the proper test drive in our next issue).

The 1.6-litre engine is a rarity in this segment and you’d have to look to the considerably more expensive Mini find another example. And the Fiesta should prove a boon to drivers looking for a small car but without the attendant small engine.