Ford’s new Fiesta has been spied testing well ahead of its on-sale date late next year, but it’s already clear that the car is following the rakish lines of the Verve concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

At the show Ford said the Verve pointed the way to a future new small car, and this test mule clearly shows it’s the new Fiesta which will benefit from a much-needed revamp.

When it goes on sale, expect the usual range of petrol and diesel engines, plus an ECO-netic diesel offering very low CO2 emissions.

There will also be a hot ST version, this time offering around 170bhp.