In advance of its its big public debut today in Amsterdam, Ford today revealed the newest generation of the Fiesta subcompact with a refreshed, sharper design and the usual overkill of technology features.

As has been true of earlier versions, the latest Fiesta will hit the European market first. One of the highlights of the newest technology upgrade is the first European version of Ford’s MyKey system. MyKey enables parents to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

Other features include voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC and Active City Stop, a system designed help drivers avoid low-speed collisions in city traffic.

An advance that actually has something to do with the car, the new Fiesta will be equipped with the Ford’s award-winning three-cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that the company says will deliver best-in-class fuel economy. The tiny engine was named “International Engine of the Year” in 2012 and will be coming to the U.S. in 2014.

“Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. “We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”

Ford launched the first Fiesta in 1976 and has since sold more than 15 million models around the world. The new Fiesta’s styling incorporates Ford’s latest design language first shown on the EVOS concept car.

Ford will reveal more details about the new European Fiesta range at the Paris Motor Show that opens September 29.