The firm dismissed the idea of putting a Fiesta-shaped top hat on its new Puma Gen-E running gear, suggesting that doing so would all but erode the already tight margins – especially when throwing third-party suppliers into the mix.
It’s worth noting that Ford also has its California-based Skunkworks team, which has been tasked with developing a “new affordable electric vehicle platform” referenced in communications made public last summer. However, the project appears, at least initially, to be focusing on a medium-sized pick-up – hinting anything as small as a Fiesta may prove a stretch too far.
We should get clarity on Ford’s passenger-car line-up and future EV strategy in the coming months.
Ford and Volkswagen partnership
The initial agreement Volkswagen came to with Ford was, according to Sander, “an opportunity for [VW] to scale even more than we can, on the basis of the size of our business” – something that could, in theory, be repeated with a second round of smaller, more efficient family cars.
Ford is heading into a potentially pivotal period as it plots its European future; the Puma remains a big seller, yet with a starting price of more than £26,500, it’s not the affordable entry-point it once was. But as its maker has hinted previously – by removing first the Fiesta and soon the Focus from sale – it has become increasingly difficult to make money on city cars and traditional family hatchbacks.
While Ford refused to confirm whether talks were on the horizon, it said: “[Ford] is confident in its ability to compete in the right segments” – implying it’d keep an eye on market trends and invest as appropriate.
Of course, if such a model did see the light of day, its proportions would likely mirror that of the production-ready ID.2 – reflected here in our exclusive image. The outgoing Fiesta was 4,068mm long – just 18mm longer than the ID.2all concept. The VW’s wider stance and low-mounted battery should give the Fiesta that typical dynamic character present in all modern-day Fords.
Will there be a new Ford Fiesta ST?
If a new Ford Fiesta does share its underpinnings with the new Volkswagen ID.2, there’s a real possibility that a hot version could also make an appearance in the line-up. VW’s ID. GTI Concept has already showcased the performance capability of the MEB Entry platform, as well as the German brand’s willingness to create a sporty electric supermini.
The ID. GTI Concept produces 220bhp and reaches 0-62mph in under seven seconds on paper, and these figures wouldn’t be out of place in a small fast Ford. If demand is high enough and the brands are willing to share, this tech could well appear in a new Ford Fiesta ST (or similar).
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