The Fiesta is back! Ford is working on a new “rally-bred” electric supermini

Ford has been taking a long, hard look at itself in the mirror, and it has clearly decided that perhaps killing off the little Fiesta – which became the UK’s best-selling car ever way back in 2014 – wasn’t such a good idea. Who’d have thunk it?

Anyway, we only know this because Ford has released its new product plan for the next few years in Europe, and that plan includes a B-segment hatchback that will “combine distinct design with Ford’s signature driving dynamics”. And it’ll be electric. Surely they wouldn’t dare call it anything other than a Fiesta?

The little supermini will apparently feature “race-to-road capabilities” (we’ll take that as confirmation of an ST hot hatch, thanks), with Ford’s wider strategy relying on links to its rallying history.

“Ford’s new European lineup will deliver multi-energy vehicles where thrill and adventure coexist with control and precision – built to handle the unique challenges of Europe’s alpine passes, cobblestoned streets, and winding roads,” read a statement.

The little definitely-a-Fiesta will be built in Europe and will launch before the end of 2029, and it’ll be joined by another small electric SUV that will also apparently be ‘rally-bred’ in its design and drive. Next-gen Puma, anyone? Or perhaps a smaller take on the Mach-E Rally?

Elsewhere, two hybridised rally-bred crossovers will be launched in the same timeframe, and all this talk of bread is really making us hungry. What’s really whetting our appetites is news that a ‘multi-energy’ baby Bronco has been confirmed for production at Ford’s plant in Valencia from 2028 onwards. That could be very cool indeed.

Ford Pro will also launch a couple of new models in the next few years, with the pair “designed for very different but equally demanding jobs”. So, in the heavyweight corner is a new Ranger Super Duty, which will be able to tow 4.5 tonnes with a near two-tonne payload thanks to heavy-duty suspension, underbody protection and higher ground clearance. In a considerably lighter weight category will be a new Transit City – a simple, affordable all-electric van “for city-based businesses”.

That's a lot of information to take in...