Production of Ford's new Fiesta ST model is getting underway this month at the manufacturer's assembly plant in Cologne.

The fastest-ever production Fiesta, the new model will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in less than seven seconds and is set to go on sale in March at £16,995.

Furthermore, the model is the most green and fuel-efficient Fiesta to date, delivering 48 mpg and emissions of 138 g/km of CO2.

Juergen Gagstatter, chief programme engineer for performance cars at Ford of Europe, commented: "This vehicle is a significant step forward, both in terms of our proud heritage of blending a powerful engine with a dynamic chassis and also in achieving reduced fuel consumption and emissions."

Last month witnessed a significant coup for the Fiesta brand, with the model being named the most popular small car in Europe for 2012 by JATO Dynamics. In total, more than 1.4million models were purchased by European buyers last year.

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Posted by Louise Carr, Account Manager, The Fuelcard People.