Several generations of Ford Fiesta have been massive sales successes in the UK. Some have deserved it more than others, but the current model is the best of the lot.

Behind its cool looks, the Fiesta is a good, practical car which drives with a winning blend of panache and refinement. Ford’s dealers are never slow to throw incentives at you, either, so buying one is likely to feel like good sense whenever you decide to do it.

And why should you make that decision? Here are 10 reasons which ought to start tipping the scales…

10: It’s easy to get comfortable, and to stay that way. You can put two adults in the back, and even a long stretch on the motorway doesn’t upset the calm.

9: The best engine in the range is the basic 1.0-litre petrol unit, whose 99bhp gives you a decent turn of speed and comes with great efficiency figures.

8: The Fiesta’s ride quality is incredible. It puts many bigger, more expensive cars to shame.

7: It’s a lot of fun, too. Great steering and handling that really involves you mean it feels more like a sports coupe than a hatchback.

6: As mentioned above, buying a Fiesta is pretty much a pain-free thing to do. There’ll always be one offer or another available. It won’t cost silly money to run, either.

5: You need to work the engine hard before it starts sounding unhappy. The suspension and tyres are similarly hushed, and wind noise is as good and quiet too.

4: The Zetec model, which we reckon is the best to go for, has a range of premium kit including alloys, Bluetooth, voice control and a heated windscreen.

3: The Fiesta is a breeze to own and use. Few cars of any kind are as approachable.

2: Even though the boot isn’t the biggest, it’s well shaped to make the most of the space you have available.

1: With there being so many Fiestas in the country, there’s no such thing as a mechanic who hasn’t fixed one. Parts availability is pretty much as good as it gets, too, which means you’ll spend less on repairs than just about anyone else.

With these attractions in mind, we’d recommend the Fiesta to anyone in the market for a supermini. The base-spec Style model is a false economy, though, as it doesn’t even give you air-con, and the 59bhp version of the 1.25-litre petrol engine belongs only in smaller cars than this.

Is there a reason not to buy a Fiesta? If so, it’s probably that while Ford’s interior is stout enough, if you like a premium cabin the Mini and VW Polo will be much more up your street.

If you’re looking to buy used, too, the current Fiesta has kept its nose clean on the reliability front thus far. And with so many on the market, you can get them for good-looking money.

Best buy: 1.0 Zetec 5dr