Not Just Fiesta is Back, Ford Prepares Second Cheap EV for European Market

Ford Fiesta will return to be an electric car in 2028. (Photo: Ford)

JAKARTA - On July 7, 2023, the last Ford Fiesta rolled off the assembly line in Cologne, Germany. Previously, Ford had decided to stop production of one of the world's best-selling Ford models after being produced for 47 years. Ford's official reason for stopping production of this car is that the company needs space at the Cologne assembly plant to produce the new Ford Explorer EV, which is only intended for the European market.

Now at the end of 2025, the legendary Ford Fiesta hatchback is confirmed to be "rising from the grave" and hitting the road in 2028 in the form of an electric car (EV).

The return of the best-selling car in a number of countries, especially in the UK, is made possible thanks to a strategic alliance between Ford and Renault. Ford will borrow Renault's AmpR Small platform, the same architecture as the Renault 5 and Nissan Micra to revive the Fiesta's big name in the increasingly competitive European market.

Quoted from Auto Express, Monday, December 22, Ford confirmed that although it shares a platform with Renault, the Fiesta EV will not just change the logo. The United States-based brand is committed to designing a completely unique body with a sharper and more dynamic Ford design language. The main focus of this development lies in a special chassis to ensure that Ford's agile driving DNA, from suspension to braking systems, is maintained to satisfy automotive enthusiasts.

In terms of performance, the AmpR Small platform provides promising specification leaks. If you look at the Renault 5, the Fiesta EV is likely to be equipped with a 40kWh to 52kWh battery option with a range of up to 405 km (WLTP). Interestingly, this cooperation also opens up the possibility of the return of the high-performance variant, the Fiesta ST, which is predicted to adopt technology from the Alpine A290 with an electric motor with up to 217bhp for a more aggressive driving sensation.

This ambitious project is part of Ford's efficiency strategy to cut development time and production costs. The Fiesta EV will be assembled at Renault's 'ElectriCity' complex in northern France. This move allows Ford to move quickly to catch up in the affordable small electric car segment, with an estimated price that is predicted to compete in the range of 25 thousand euros or equivalent to Rp. 490 million.

Not only one model, this collaboration will also give birth to a second EV which is suspected to be a small SUV or a new city car to accompany the Ford Puma. Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, expressed optimism that this synergy would combine Renault's industrial scale with Ford's iconic design. With the launch schedule getting closer, the Ford Fiesta is ready to reclaim the throne as the people's car of choice in the era of electrification.