New Ford Fiesta Crowned What Car? Car of the Year and Mondeo is Best Family and Estate Car 2009

BRENTWOOD – January 23, 2009: The new Ford Fiesta has been declared as 'the perfect car for now' by leading car magazine What Car?, as it names the Fiesta 1.25i Zetec the What Car? Car of the Year 2009.

The What Car? judges praised the new Fiesta inside and out, stating that no other supermini got close to its 'look at me' factor. The delicate curves and sharp edges made it the epitome of the ‘stylish modern supermini.' They also commended the "zingy 1.25-litre engine, nimble handling and strong grip to make it a 'brilliant winner'…….."

Steve Fowler, What Car? editor, commented: "The Fiesta is the most complete small car we’ve ever tested – it’s practical enough to be used as a family car, fun enough to be used as a sports car and stylish enough to make the right impression. It’s also affordable to buy, cheap to run and kind to the planet."

John Fleming, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: "This is tremendous news for the whole Ford team – the great British public has already made new Fiesta the UK's best-selling car in the closing months of last year, and this ultimate endorsement by What Car? will drive the new Fiesta to even greater success this year."

Adding to the success of Fiesta as winner of Best Supermini, the Ford Mondeo won Best Family Car and Best Estate for 2009.

The What Car? Car of the Year 2009 awards are covered in the magazine's February edition, available now.