FORD'S much acclaimed new Fiesta is now on sale in van format with more responsive and economical 1.8 litre diesel and 1.3 litre petrol engines, revised front suspension, steering and brakes, a new interior design, standard Safeguard immobiliser, new front and rear end styling and lower running costs.

The naturally-aspirated Endura-D diesel engine, expected to be the bigger seller, offers 60PS at 4,800rpm and maximum torque of 105Nm at 2,500rpm. Noise, vibration and harshness are kept to a minimum with a rake of new measures.

On the safety front, the Fiesta van meets Ford's own 35mph rigid barrier impact criteria (37% more severe than the 30mph European safety standard) and a driver's airbag is standard. Front seatbelts now have grabbers and seats incorporate anti-submarining ramps. In addition to the immobiliser, the doors and tailgate use high-security anti-burst locks with shields and shrouding cables instead of rods. The load compartment offers a width of 900mm between the rear wheel arches and a length of 1,320mm. There is 0.9cu metres of loadspace and a full width half height steel bulkhead.

Options include power steering, passenger airbag, upper mesh bulkhead, metallic paint, convenience pack and security pack. Price for both models is £7,850 ex VAT plus £470 delivery.