The Ford Fiesta now comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard. It is the only car in its class where this is fitted as standard equipment.
ESP is a system of sensors that works by detecting when the driver is losing control of their car and brakes one or more wheels to get the vehicle back on its desired path.
According to Ford, at least 40 percent of fatal road accidents across Europe are the result of skidding. It says that studies show that ESP could reduce skidding accidents by up to 80 percent.
Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, Eddie Murphy, said: "Our Focus was the first compact family car to have ESP as standard and now we are delighted to extend this to our award-winning Fiesta. When you consider the great benefit that ESP can bring: a possible reduction of 4,000 fatalities across Europe if all cars had ESP, the onus is on car makers to make it available as standard on all their vehicles as soon as possible".
The Fiesta now starts from €11,995 under the Government scrappage scheme.