THESE are early photographs of next year’s new Ford Fiesta, and it should, bigger, more refined and laden with new technology.

Engines will have direct injection systems to ensure cleaner running, while the options list will offer the sort of creature comforts in many of Ford’s bigger cars, including Bluetooth and iPod connection, all controlled through a version of Ford’s new Human Machine Interface.

Slightly bigger than the current model, the Fiesta will offer levels of sophistication that may encourage company car drivers lower down the corporate ladder to downsize into the supermini.

The new Fiesta shares components with the forthcoming Mazda2, due later this year, and the new Fiat 500.