New bold frontal styling and an extraordinary power packed 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbo charged motor are the real headliners, round the newly revised Ford Fiesta hatch.

The most significant changes see upgrades of the technology used in the previous model, including hands-free in-car connectivity and two new engine options. The pick of them is the highly acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost that powers and with remarkable panache, the range topping Sport that’s the subject of this road test. Other models in the range now use the global 1.5-litre Duratec petrol engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology. Ford claim this motor returns improved economy and carbon dioxide emissions over the previous generation 1.6-litre engine.

Visually, the biggest change and one that’s impossible to miss is the cars unmistakable Aston Martin inspired frontal treatment. It really sets the car apart from anything else in its class and it looks great! The power-dome hood design also gives the car a more assertive appearance. Whip around to the back end and you are greeted by a fresh set of smart looking tail lamps. Ford has tinkered with the interior to create a more up market look and feel. A satin-chrome detailing finish is offered along with Ford’s signature Ice Blue lighting to illuminate dials, switches and displays. There are new seat fabrics and designs include partial leather or comfort fabric trim.

In the cost driven the mini hatch market cars tend to live or die on their pricing. While the Fiesta is a touch more expensive than most it manages to get it away with because it’s such a good car. Prices start at $23,990 for the 1.5-litre Trend 5-speed manual, with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost Sport auto that’s under scrutiny in this road test retailing for $28,840. You can save yourself $1500 by opting for the 5-speed manual, instead of the six-speed automatic. However, the auto is so crisp and responsive many may see the extra $1500 as a good investment in relaxed and stress free driving, because that’s what this transmission delivers by the bucket load.

I cannot recall a motor in recent times that has generated as much hype or collected as many accolades as the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. One of its most prized awards would have to be the 2013 International Engine of the Year, winning the award for the second consecutive year. Much of the praise heaped on this motor is well earned, as it’s clever and highly innovative with a three-cylinder design that combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing, to produce 92 kW of power and 170 Nm of peak torque. This is the same amount of power and 19Nm of extra torque over the 1.6-litre fuel injected power plant it replaces.

Talk about a motor punching well above its size, this one does it better than any other I have driven. The sharp acceleration, strong mid-range pulling power, smoothness and sporty exhaust note, pretty much make this perfect compact engine package.  These small engines with their huge power, excellent fuel economy and low emissions are one the way of the future. While it doesn’t have the ballistic performance of the ST Fiesta we road tested recently, the Sport goes harder and faster than an engine of its capacity has a right to.

In many ways, the Sport is a good halfway house model that neatly bridges the gap between the rollicking high performance of the ST and the fairly sedate 1.5 litre Trend that I also drove briefly. The only criticism I have of the motor is some hesitancy it shows under full throttle from standing starts before it comes out guns blazing. This smallest member of the EcoBoost family of engines that go all the way to a 2.0-litre 184kw variant works well with Ford’s six-speed Power Shift auto, that’s also used in the larger Focus and the Kuga 4WD SUV.

Cabin space is ok, and pretty typical of what you would expect to find in a compact hatch. Rear seat leg and headroom is tight and feels a bit claustrophobic. This is off set to some extent by a generous rear hatch load compartment providing plenty of load carrying capacity.

The new Ford Fiesta continues to offer a comprehensive 5 star safety package, including airbags for the driver, driver’s knee and front passenger, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA).

Comfort has been improved in the facelift model while retaining the Ford Fiesta’s renowned sporty handling. Shock absorber specifications have been tailored to improve ride quality. New front suspension bump-stops provide better cushioning performance over large bumps. The electric power-assisted steering has also been tuned to match the new suspension characteristics. Ride and handling is simply outstanding and bettered by few if any in its class with its steadfast road holding, yet the suspension for all it’s corner scampering abilities, still delivers a supple and smooth ride. When you team the cars class leading ride and road holding with the sparking performance of the 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine you have a class leading mini hatch that looks good and is affordable.

What’s the verdict? While some of its rivals are starting to close the gap, the Fiesta is still the pace setter in the mini hatch market, especially when powered  by the excellent 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine.