2012 Ford Fiesta ST Concept

What is it? A concept previewing the proper hot-hatch bubbling under the surface of Ford's sharp-handling supermini. The car will spearhead the midlife face lift of the Fiesta range, due next year.

What's hot? A 1.6-liter 180-horsepower EcoBoost turbo engine in the already sharp-handling Fiesta? Sounds good to us, especially because it weighs 220 pounds less than the standard fare.

What's not? The Fiesta ST looks brilliant, should go like stink and handle like a true hot-hatch king. What's not to like?

How much and when? It won't come cheap, but when it goes on sale, Ford will be looking carefully at the Audi A1, Polo GTI and others to figure out where to pitch the pricing. It won't be on sale until at least late 2012, possibly not until 2013.

MSN Autos' verdict: On paper, the Fiesta ST looks like an absolute riot, but why are they making us wait so long?

View Slideshow:  Affordable Fuel-Efficient New Cars

2011 Ford Focus and Fiesta Econetic Technology

What is it? New Econetic Technology versions of the Focus and Fiesta are powered by a sophisticated development of the 1.6-liter TDCi turbodiesel engine. The Focus is especially high-tech since alongside Auto-Start-Stop it also features a nitrogen oxide trap and Active Grille Shutter.

What's hot? The engine produces 95 horsepower in the Fiesta and 105 horses in the Focus, thanks to the addition of a variable geometry turbocharger. Together with optimized aerodynamics and friction reduction, you get 85.6 mpg and 83.1 mpg, respectively.

What's not? Ford says the usual entertaining driving experience remains, but surely there has to be a compromise somewhere. Still, with carbon-dioxide emissions to match the best non-plug-in Prius, the Focus becomes the "greenest" nonhybrid family car you can buy.

How much and when? It won't be cheap, but it will be available soon — try early 2012. Price is yet to be announced

MSN Autos' verdict: Econetic Technology makes Ford a serious eco force to be reckoned with.