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The 2010 Ford Fiesta debuted with several features that will appeal to tech-savvy buyers, including keyless ignition with push-button starting, a capless fuel filler, voice-controlled Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port for MP3 players. No mention was made of the Ford Sync system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, which so far has only appeared in U.S.-market Ford models.

The 2010 Ford Fiesta will be offered in Europe with five different engines, including 1.25-, 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-fueled, 4-cylinder models and 1.4- and 1.6-liter diesel engines, with power output ranging from 59 to 113 hp. All come with a 5-speed manual transmission; the 1.4-liter engine will offer an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Ford has not yet announced powertrain options for the North American version of the Fiesta.

Ford previewed the styling of the new 2010 Fiesta in the Verve concept, which was shown at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production Fiesta hatchback looks a lot like the Verve, so it’s reasonable to expect that the North American version of the Fiesta will closely resemble the Verve sedan, which features a larger upper grille and a posterior that picks up some of the cues seen on the 2008 Focus. And while Ford of Europe design language differs widely from what Ford offers in the States, certain elements such as the wedge-shaped profile and pronounced fender arches show a clear family resemblance to some of Ford’s American designs.

Inside, the 2010 Ford Fiesta again looks very similar to the Verve concept. While the loud colors are gone, the highlight remains the futuristic looking center stack. Ford says the layout, which features a display screen at the top of the stack and control buttons below, was inspired by contemporary cell phone design. The Fiesta features redundant stereo and phone controls on the steering wheel, while the climate controls use a variation of the classic three-dial layout with buttons to control airflow direction.

Ford did not announce a full list of safety features, but they did tout the Fiesta’s use of strategically placed high-strength steel in and around the Fiesta’s safety cage. Ford says the Fiesta will feature an “Intelligent Protection System” that includes a driver’s knee air bag, a first for the Fiesta and an unusual find in a subcompact car.

As mentioned in the initial impression report, this is the sport variant in the Fiesta line-up and you feel it once inside its cabin -  the dash made of Ebony blue and black with a hint of brushed aluminium lend it a sporty touch.Ford engines sound very different to the Japanese ones (we’re hinting at the new Honda City we drove a while ago) and this one is no exception. The sporty character of the moving force under bonnet is felt as you crank the motor and tap the throttle – the engine grunt signals this is no ordinary Fiesta.The Fiesta S has a very able  engine and gearbox. We managed to touch the 3 figure speeds in 2nd gear!

An engine that revvs to the 6k mark is a sign of a true performer. Stiffening of the suspension and alterations in the chassis works very well in making the ride at high speeds positive and the new-found handling is totally different to the other Fiestas. Steering is responsive and the feedback is perfect. In the sub 10 lakh lot, you can’t get a better driver’s car. Top speed we achieved was 170kmph and the engine though making all that noise, never felt liking giving way. Cornering ability is awesome, body roll is diminutive and the feedback on the steering is 10/10 for the Fiesta S.

Once you’ve come down the winding roads back into city limits, the perfectly placed paddles and soft clutch make for easy driving.

Suspension is stiffened and the ride is hard, so over bumps in the city, your spine sometimes won’t like the extra punishment. Seats are big with ample support available in the right areas, driver’s seat is height adjustable.

The gear lever looks drab and we would have liked something smaller and rally-car like. The operation is good, the changing is precise and smooth.

Rear seat comfort is not sacrificed because this is a sport variant. Apart from the suspension and engine, it is a regular Fiesta from every other angle. The back rest is designed better compared to the Ikon. Individual headrests are absent but the in-built ones do the job very well.