ONCE UPON a time if you wanted to 'blend in', Ford could be relied upon to 'bless you with bland' with its fairly nondescript Fiesta - the model in which I learned to drive and one that has never really lived up to its name. Now, however, Ford has struck a colourful chord with its new Fiesta.

The new model bears hardly any resemblance to the former Fiesta. It has taken on the same kinetic form of the new Mondeo and Focus. And, along with the new Ka and Kuga SUV, Fiesta has helped in Ford's transformation from 'run of the mill' to 'desirable and dynamic'.

Aside from the obvious external changes, which give the new Fiesta kerb appeal and drivability, inside and hidden away are some really valuable 'big-car' features, for both safety and comfort.

The price is right with the new model, as it starts at £8,695 - £155 less than the outgoing equivalent. It's good news all round with residual values better than before, insurance groups the same or lower than the outgoing model, lower emissions and more power than before.

In total, there are five distinct series options – Studio, Style, Zetec, Zetec S and Titanium – and 20 different colour and trim combinations for the interior.

First impressions are excellent. The car looks fantastic in new metallic fruity shades. It sports lovely big alloy wheels (if you want to pay a little extra) and if you go for the better spec models, you'll enjoy tinted windows and chrome effects.

The feel of the car is great too. Even the most basic version will impress. And, if you are a young driver who has recently passed their test, I can endorse the new Fiesta as a solid, reliable car that you won't get bored with and you'll feel proud and safe to travel with your friends almost anywhere.

Quality has danced ahead by leagues. The doors (you can have three or five-door versions) are well weighted and once you're inside, you feel really save and well protected.

Stunning as it is outside, you can't fail to be impressed by the magic going on inside the cabin. The dashboard and trim are, dare I say it, quite luxurious, while the fit and finish inside is very impressive with higher quality materials and comfier seats.

Younger drivers are well catered for when it comes to the ambiance inside the cabin. You can plug your tunes straight into the entertainment system. Other features include:

Driving the car is a whole new ball game too. The chassis is stiffer and instead of being just an average A to B car, the Fiesta is enjoyable to drive and can be chucked about too. With the emphasis, now, very much on the driving experiences, those who have always gone for the Fiesta will really feel the difference in handling and smooth ride quality.

A key factor in the light, nimble handling of all-new Fiesta is a new feature – the first application of full Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) on a European Ford. And, for new drivers, it's a great place and a safe one to begin your driving career.

Delivery of power is good also. Fiesta doesn't drag its heels and the gearbox and engine match very well indeed. It really is a far cry from the one-litre Popular in which I began my driving career.

Diesel does seem to be the powerplant of choice these days and the Fiesta is available with the 1.4 TDCi and 1.6 TDCi engines, both Zetec, which have been given lower insurance group ratings than the previous same-engined versions. A 1.6 petrol version is also available.

There might be grey days ahead, but the colourful and frugal new Fiesta can put a splash of colour back in your driving days.

FORD Fiesta Style 1.4

3 door

Top speed: 109 mph
0-62 mph: 12.2 sec
Max power: 98 ps
Max torque: 94 lb ft
Combined economy: 49.5 mpg
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km
insurance group: 4
Price: £10,895 (Auto adds £1000)