It's been an icon of cheap motoring for the last 30 years, but the curtains could finally be drawn on the Ford Fiesta.

Top brass at Ford are deciding whether to drop the Fiesta name from the next generation of superminis.

Ford is considering other names, including Genesis, Isis and Phoenix for the Fiesta's replacement, which will go on sale next year.

Product development manager, Richard Parry-Jones said: "Some badges have strong brand values so perhaps we should not throw them away".

But sales and marketing boss, Stephen O'Dell said: "The car makes the name, not vice-versa".

Ford decided to drop the Escort name just hours before it unveiled the Focus in 1998, and came close to choosing another name for the new Mondeo, which goes on sale in June.

Auto Trader links

The ultimate Ford GT
Ford S-MAX - sexier and safer
Sporty Transit earns its racing stripes
Face-lifted Ford C-Max
Ford's sporty MPV tops Euro poll

Birthday party for Fiesta

Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Ford Fiesta Ghia
Auto Driven: all-new Ford Mondeo