1 August 2002: A 3-door version of the new Ford Fiesta will be available in Ireland from January 2003. It will complement its 5-door sibling and the Fusion Urban Activity Vehicle in a line-up of new small car offerings from Ford for the New Year.

The 3-door model is aimed directly at younger drivers who mostly prefer a sporty appearance to their cars.

The new Fiesta will be available in three petrol engines: a 1.3-litre Duratec 8V (68 bhp); a 16V (78 bhp) and a 1.6-litre (96 bhp).

It differs from the 5-door version with its profile; sloping roof line and angled tailgate, which more reflects the sporty aspirations of 3-door buyers.

Buyers will have a choice of 13 exterior colours, including a unique metallic burnt orange called Flare.

According to Ford Ireland, the new 3-door Fiesta will have the same feeling of spaciousness and comfort as the 5-door version. The absence of a rear door means a gain in rear-seat width, resulting in class leading shoulder room.

Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director, Ford Ireland said that traditionally the 3-door has accounted for a small share of total Fiesta sales in Ireland. “However, the driving quality for which the Fiesta has received widespread applause, is well matched to the styling of the new 3-door version,” he says. S”imilar to the 3-door Focus, I would expect it to attract a strong following of young, single, aspirational buyers.”

Prices will be announced closer to the launch date.