The arrival of market leader Ford's new small car in the UK this month coincides with accelerated sales of the brand's low emission cars.

Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) report a 38 per cent surge for these Ford models – to be joined by the new Ford Fiesta at motor show.

The dramatic swing has buoyed Ford's range of cars emitting under 120g CO₂/km and achieving over 65mpg.

All Focus, Fiesta and Fusion models equipped with the Dagenham-built 1.6-litre TDCi engine achieve CO₂ emissions of under 120g/km.  Sales of the new Ford Focus ECOnetic, at 114g/km, and Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi are also included in this segment, which grew by 38 per cent in the first six months of the year.

At the British International Motor Show Ford will unveil a new addition to its ECOnetic range, the Ford Fiesta, which is set to offer best CO₂, fuel economy and value of all four-cylinder, four-seat cars on the market.

Ford cars sold to retail, or private purchasers, last month rose by 7.6 per cent versus June 2007.  They were mainly drawn to Ford by new Focus, Kuga and S-MAX, the SMMT said.