MELBOURNE, Australia – Ford Fiesta has reinforced its popularity with motorists by scooping the pool at this year’s car of the year awards.

Last week, the Ford Fiesta LX took home the title of Australia’s Best Small Car 2009 in Australia’s Best Car Awards. Presented by the Australian Automobile Association on behalf of Australia's Motoring Clubs, the judges praised the Fiesta LX for its value for money, safety, security and space.

In November, the Ford Fiesta CL grabbed top honours in the Drive Car of the Year Awards 2009 (DCOTY) for Best Small Car Under AUD 20,000 (USD 18,200) – the first win ever for the Ford Fiesta in this category.

The latest addition to the Fiesta family, the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is now among the most fuel-efficient cars on the road, winning the Carsguide Green Car of the Year award (COTY) in November – a full week before it was officially released.

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, which re-set the fuel economy benchmark this year at 3.7L/100km and produces only 98 grams of carbon for each kilometre it travels, took the title from other Green COTY finalists including the Toyota Prius hybrid and Mini Cooper D.

Australia’s most fuel-efficient car, the ECOnetic, was also praised for its affordability, being nearly AUD 10,000 (USD 9,100) cheaper than its closest competitor, the Mini Cooper D.

"The latest awards recognise Ford Fiesta's position as the leading small car in Australia whilst the Carsguide Green Car of the Year - the only green car award in Australia – strengthens the ECOnetic’s reputation for ‘best in class’ fuel efficiency and value for money,” said Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela.