11 September 2001: In a stunning reveal, Ford’s new Fiesta debuted behind a bar in Frankfurt last night, following an evening of entertainment from Jools Holland and his big band at a specially-constructed ‘Bluoval’ Club on the eve of the biggest European motor show of the year.

But the car is not coming to Ireland until the latter half of next year as part of a Europe-wide ramp-up that begins in April. It is likely, on first look in the metal, to cause serious concern for other runners in the highly competitive B segment.

The new Fiesta is bigger, with a total new concept in style from its predecessor line that was born a quarter of a century ago. It is particularly roomy in the rear, and the interior finish we saw last night may well bring the segment a substantial way forward in this respect.

Chairman and managing director of Ford in Ireland Eddie Murphy (right) said he is expecting a very good response from the Irish market when the new car becomes available. Meantime, though, he’s very happy indeed with the company’s performance overall in 2001 in Ireland, where Focus is selling exceptionally well and Mondeo is right up to expectations.

Some 500 motoring journalists were invited to the special Bluoval Club last night, where Ford of Europe boss David Thursfield compered both the entertainment and the reveal of the new car, which makes its official debut today.

Also due to be shown is a Focus ST170, and a concept car based on the Fiesta which will be the genesis of a number of other innovative cars from the blue oval over coming months. IrishCar.Com's Trish Whelan was the first Irish journalist to get behind the wheel of the new car at the special launch.

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