##Fiestalong in--right## OUR Ford Fiesta is keeping its occupants pleasantly warm following its heater repair and we can also report a steady improvement in fuel economy.

We are now regularly achieving returns around the official combined figure, and the lifetime average has crept above 40mpg.

This is all good stuff and along with its fine ride and handling characteristics, our little supermini is even attracting the attention of staff who wouldn't normally give small cars a second glance.

The fact is that with its five-door practicality, reasonably roomy interior and user-friendly controls, there isn't much this Fiesta won't do. A few years ago, the thought of doing a 400-mile round trip in a supermini would have made you the laughing stock of the company.

With the new breed of superminis, the Fiesta included, it is possible to do a long-haul run without having to book an appointment with a chiropractor afterwards. Although no-one here has tackled such a mammoth journey yet, I can't imagine anyone desperately wanting to swap for something else if they had to travel.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine is loosening up, making its 96lb-ft of torque more accessible, and the car doesn't make a fuss at a steady 70mph.

When you compare it to funkier looking cars in this class, such as the Citroen C3, Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris, you wonder how many younger drivers Ford might be attracting. But get behind the wheel and the Fiesta has much to offer in the way it tenaciously holds the road when pressing on and the excellent feedback from the steering.

Although the optional larger alloy wheels fitted (16-inch items) take the edge off the ride comfort, they do endow the little car with plenty of grip when it comes to twistier roads.

This makes the Fiesta more fun to drive than it looks (a conventional shape with Focus-like styling cues, with a clear but sober interior). As for the criticism from some that the Fiesta's interior seems far more robust than cars like the C3, the plastic gear lever surround in our car has become detached and moves south when engaging second or fourth gear.

We will be arranging for this to be repaired or replaced in the near future. However, it does not really affect the driving experience and after its repair we will be looking forward to the next 10 months with the car.

Company car tax bill (22% taxpayer): £27.09 per month