‘Rally bred’ electric Ford Fiesta to lead the Blue Oval’s 2028 European fightback
Ford has confirmed it will launch five new ‘rally bred’ models by 2029, as it seeks to claw back ground in Europe.
These new cars are part of Dearborn’s new ‘Ready Set Ford‘ strategy for Europe, which aims to offer a multi-energy line-up comprising EVs and hybrids geared towards European drivers’ tastes and expectations.
In Europe, Ford’s decision to axe its best-selling Focus and Fiesta models contributed to its slump in new car registrations from over a million in 2019, to just 426,459 last year.
The Blue Oval’s current EV range in the UK is made up of the best-selling Puma Gen-E, the Mustang Mach-E, plus the Volkswagen ID-based Capri and Explorer.
WRC-inspired Ford Fiesta to arrive next year
As Ford looks to re-establish itself as a major player in the European car market, it will kick things off in 2028 with an electric-only, B-segment supermini likely to be called the new Fiesta.
The new Fiesta will be built in collaboration with Renault, and ride on the French manufacturer’s Ampr Small architecture, which underpins the multi-award-winning Renault 4, Renault 5, and the Alpine A290.
Ford claims that this new model, along with the other four cars scheduled for arrival by the end of the decade, will be built with its illustrious motorsport heritage in mind.
The Blue Oval’s motorsport credentials include victories on the rough and tumble stages of the World Rally Championship and the gruelling Dakar Rally, plus wins at the illustrious 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the punchy, short and sharp world of rallycross.
Ford says that each of the new cars’ styling and handling will be ‘rally bred’. In the case of the electric Fiesta, this will be made easier by its dynamic multi-link rear suspension shared with the Alpine A290.
Ford Bronco confirmed for Europe
The second Ford model to arrive in 2028, will be a Euro-spec, Bronco SUV. like the Fiesta, the Bronco will be a high-volume model, and serve as the Blue Oval’s European flagship, offering a multi-fuel approach that could include pure electric and hybrid variants.
Not much is known about the European Ford Bronco, except it will be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, alongside the existing Kuga SUV. Upon arrival, we expect it to carry over the rugged and versatile design that’s made it such a hit in the US following its 2021 revival.
We expect that given Ford’s brand positioning, the Bronco will go up against the likes of the Toyota C-HR+, the Citroen C5 Aircross, and the upcoming Subaru e-Outback.
Renault 4-based Puma Gen-E replacement on the way
Ford will also launch three new crossovers, spearheaded by a replacement for the Puma Gen-E. Unlike the Puma Gen-E, this upcoming model will be a dedicated EV based once again the Renault Ampr Small platform.
Despite adopting the same running gear as the electric Fiesta, this yet-to-be-named model will be closer in size to the larger Renault 4.
Like the rest of the upcoming Ford EV line-up, details surrounding the B-segment SUV are shrouded in mystery. However, we do know that two other SUVs will join the fold and are likely to adopt hybrid powertrains.
Ford has confirmed it has entered strategic partnerships with another manufacturer to scale the vehicles accordingly and accelerated development times.
Nothing is confirmed, but Ford has long been linked to a deal to joint venture with Chinese automotive giant Geely, which owns Volvo, Polestar, and Zeekr, and has several multi-energy platforms in its roster.
