Ford call it the Verve, but you or I might call it the new Ford Fiesta.

Martin Smith, executive director of design for Ford of Europe, explained: “Bold, even radical, Ford Verve Concept demonstrates the potential of Ford’s kinetic design philosophy to visualise a small car that is a chic and modern, and one that makes an individual statement for a sophisticated, fashion-aware generation.”

With the current Fiesta due to go out of production next year, this is best indication yet of what the new, and rather crucial, small Ford will look like.

As it is still only at concept stage and Ford are being coy about the details, they do admit that the new car will have more of the technology that car buyers are starting to expect as standard.

“A new generation of buyers raised with mobile electronic devices would feel right at home in this new automotive interior, one that exceeds the standards typical in the small-car segment,” said Niko Vidakovic, chief interior designer, Ford of Europe.

The concept doesn’t look production ready - the big wheels, slightly radical interior and central tailpipe probably won’t make it into your local showroom - but it does give a very clear indication of what the new small Ford should look like, especially as the exterior design takes many of its styling cues from the Mondeo and S-Max.

The new Fiesta is not due until some time next year but its importance cannot be underestimated.

Ford plan to sell this car in the US and expand their presence in other markets such as India, China and Japan.

The Fiesta is also one of Ford’s best selling cars ever and continues to be to this day. Speculation is also rife that Ford will drop the Fiesta name with this new car.

By Brian Twomey