Party time for Ford as Fiesta makes an electrified return

SCOOP Ford's use of Renault's Ampere platform is set to pave the way for a dramatic comeback for the Fiesta in 2028, and maybe a second small EV

- Richard Ingram

THE Ford Fiesta is on the way back! The UK's bestselling car of all-time will be reborn as an electric model in 2028, thanks to a new alliance agreed between Ford of Europe and Renault.

The deal enables Ford to use the Renault AmpR electric-car architecture already used by the Renault 5 and Alpine A290, as well as the forthcoming Twingo urban EV and Nissan Micra. That includes access to Renault's battery and motor technology, plus its manufacturing base, granting the Blue Oval much-needed scale in the European small-car segment.

The resulting models - a small hatchback to revive the Fiesta and a second small EV - will have unique bodies rather than be badge-engineered Renaults, and Auto Express's exclusive image reveals what the next Fiesta could look like. The cars will also get bespoke chassis tuning in a bid to deliver Ford's engaging driving dynamics. The firm has already used this blueprint to differentiate its Explorer and Capri EVs from the Volkswagen ID.4 on which they're based.