It’s no secret that Ford is preparing to replace its top-selling baby this year. And that can mean only one thing – it’s time for an end-of-the-line special edition. And here it is: the Fiesta Zetec Blue.

With the launch of the new model edging closer, Ford bosses were keen to give the current machine a winning send-off, and this is what they have come up with.

Called the Zetec Blue, the newcomer boasts a selection of additional goodies, including smart 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured trim and a rear spoiler. Yet surprisingly, despite the model’s name, the metallic blue paintwork is a £350 option.

Inside, the changes range from the useful to the cosmetic. Both the electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors and the Quickclear windscreen are welcome winter extras, while the auxiliary input for the single-slot CD player also appeals.

Visual modifications include a distinctive blue-finished dashboard, taken from the hot ST model, while matching surrounds for the air vents, gearlever and stereo further lift the cabin. Otherwise, it is all standard Fiesta fare, and compared to the car’s modern rivals the interior is beginning to feel dated. However, out on the road it’s a different story.

Sharp steering and agile handling are trademarks, and the Zetec Blue does not disappoint. There is plenty of body roll in tight bends, but with lots of grip available the Fiesta can still put a smile on your face. Buyers get a choice of 1.25 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, or the 1.4 TDCi diesel fitted to the model we drove.

This oil-burner is incredibly economical, with the Ford returning a claimed 62.8mpg. The CO2 emissions of only 119g/km are also impressively low, but the trade-off comes in terms of raw performance, because the diesel takes 14.4 seconds to get from 0-62mph.

At high cruising speeds it struggles to keep up with fast-moving traffi c. However, it’s fine for the urban grind, where light controls and good visibility come into their own.

Buy all the extra kit separately and it will cost £800. But the Zetec Blue is priced only £200 higher than the Style Climate version on which it’s based. So, if you can live with the garish blue interior trim, the latest Fiesta special edition is an appealing prospect.