Britain's most popular car ‘may be reborn' as an EV after being discontinued two years ago
The iconic motor is getting a much-needed upgrade to fit in with the EV revolution.
3
The fan-favourite Ford Fiesta is set to return and this time it'll be decked out with a charging socket.
It was scrapped from production in July 2023, much to the dismay of loyal customers.
However, soon it might be re-introduced with the help of Volkswagen.
Both Ford and Volkswagen joined forces for a "very successful" first project, meaning more Ford EVs could be on the way.
The manufacturer made a deal with Volkswagen in 2020 to use the same electric car parts that VW uses in their ID.4 and ID.5 models.
These cars are electric SUVs built on the same MEB platform, which essentially is the vehicle architecture, but designed for slightly different tastes.
With this deal, Ford was able to make two new electric cars — the Ford Explorer EV and the Ford Capri EV — using VW's electric system underneath but with Ford's own design.
This deal worked so well that there's talk that Ford might bring back other old models, like the Fiesta, using the same approach.
While nothing is set in stone, Volkswagen's head of sales and marketing Martin Sander, told Auto Express their partnership was 'very, very, very successful.'
The sales boss said he did "not want to rule out that there are future opportunities here to share technology again."
This means a new wave of superminis could be on the cards.
The updated electric Fiesta would have a range of up to 280 miles and DC fast-charging speeds of 125kW.
Sander said the collaboration is "an opportunity for [VW] to scale even more than we can, on the basis of the size of our business."
While Ford hasn't confirmed any details on whether an EV Ford Fiesta might make an appearance, it said it would make investments where it sees.
The manufacturer revealed: "Ford is confident in its ability to compete in the right segments."
Ford's secretive California-based Skunkworks team, a small elusive group of engineers, is currently hard at work on a new affordable electric vehicle platform.
Last year the carmaker said: "We developed a super-talented skunkworks team to create a low-cost EV platform.
"It was a small group, small team, some of the best EV engineers in the world, and it was separate from the Ford mothership.
"It was a start-up."
However, the project seems to be zeroing in on a medium-sized pick-up as its first focus which doesn't appear to describe an EV Fiesta.
Ford said it would provide an update on electrification, technology, profitability and capital requirements in the first half of 2025.
Fiesta fans will have to sit with their fingers crossed in the meantime.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
4 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Here's What The Cheapest Volkswagen Gets You In 2025
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. VW packs a lot of value into its most affordable car The cheapest Volkswagen you can buy depends on where you live. Across the pond, Volkswagen sells a number of affordable subcompacts and compacts that aren't available in the United States. These include the ID.3, the Polo, and the normal Golf (America only gets the Golf GTI and R). This means there are limited options for fans of VW with a tight budget. However, all is not lost, and VW has one model in the USA that still sells for less than $23,000. What is it, and is your money better spent on Toyota and Honda rivals? Let's find out. 0:08 / 0:09 VW will introduce a sub-$20,000 EV, but probably not here Watch More The Cheapest New Volkswagen Is The Jetta S Source: VW Starting at just $22,495, the entry-level Jetta S (note that the 2025 Jetta pictured here isn't the base model) is the most cheapest VW on sale right now. That price excludes any options and the destination charge of $1,225. Not many cars are available this cheaply anymore, and even cheap used cars are vanishing. In this segment, the Volkswagen goes up against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Both of those rivals are also the cheapest models for those manufacturers; the Toyota starts at $22,325, almost exactly as much as the Jetta, while the Honda begins at $24,595 (2026 model). As all are similarly priced sedans from well-established brands, comparing them is inevitable, and we'll do just that when running through the specifications of the Jetta S, Volkswagen's cheapest car. Design: A Sense Of Solidity VW implemented some neat updates to the Jetta's design for the 2025 model year. New LED headlights, a revised front fascia, and a tweaked rear-end with a light bar are some of them, and they do a good job of keeping the car fresh. Even so, there's nothing jaw-dropping about the design, but the same can be said of all its rivals. The Jetta looks more substantial than most competitors, and that's not just an optical illusion. It's about as wide as a Civic, but the Jetta is nearly two inches longer and exactly two inches taller. The following exterior features are standard on the Jetta S: 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights Rain-sensing wipers Power-folding mirrors The color palette is basic and includes white, a few greys/silvers, Deep Black, and Monterey Blue. We would have liked to have seen some more wheels on the options menu, but you have to stick with the standard ones. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Volkswagen revised the dashboard for the 2025 Jetta, and it mostly comes across as a successful update. Three horizontal lines now stretch across the dashboard, and there's a standard eight-inch touchscreen display (replacing the older 6.5-inch unit) and eight-inch gauge cluster, so it looks more modern than the analog gauges in the base Corolla. Cloth upholstery is the default on this cheapest Jetta S, with either Titan Black or Storm Gray color schemes. Passenger space is comfortable, and the trunk measures a useful 14.1 cubic feet. Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow you to accommodate longer items. The following features are standard in the Jetta S: Auto-dimming rearview mirror Climatronic Touch dual-zone automatic climate control Leather-wrapped steering wheel Adaptive cruise control Forward collision warning A basic four-speaker sound system is standard, and, while the touch controls for the climate control system look high-tech, they're not as easy to use as the simpler physical switches of older Jetta variants. We gradually got used to them when driving the 2025 Jetta, though. Better sound systems, a larger driver's display, and heated seats are available on upper Jetta trims. You can't add these items on the S, so keep this in mind. Performance: The Manual Is Gone For Cheaper Jettas Source: VW Unless you spend much more on the Jetta GLI, you can't have Volkswagen's sedan with a manual. All models now rely on the eight-speed automatic, paired to a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While a base Corolla is more powerful, it's not turbocharged, so the Jetta's meatier torque delivery gives it superior drivability. It takes over seven seconds to hit 60, but that's perfectly acceptable for a car in this class – and at this price point. Only front-wheel drive is available. Fuel efficiency works out to 29/39/33 mpg city/highway/combined for the base Jetta S, so it's not as efficient as the cheapest Corolla (35 mpg combined) or Civic (36 mpg combined), but still quite reasonable. The smaller wheels and tires of the Jetta S help to cushion harsh road surfaces more effectively than models with larger wheels, and the VW handles well. It's not as enjoyable to drive as the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic, though. Other Affordable Volkswagens Other than the Jetta S, you can spend more on other Jetta models like the Sport ($23,775), SE ($25,275), and SEL ($29,000). The SE looks like the sweet spot in the range with features like a power driver's seat, keyless access, CloudTex upholstery, and wireless charging. However, there's another affordable Volkswagen that's worth a look. Volkswagen Taos S ($24,995) Source: VW VW's cheapest crossover, the Taos S retails for almost the same price as the Jetta SE. Being a crossover, it's a more practical vehicle, boasting 27.9 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second row. Its 1.5L engine also has more punch than the Jetta's, with the same torque but more power – 174 hp, to be precise. However, this model isn't as well-equipped as the Jetta SE, lacking the nice upholstery, fancier climate control system and heated seats. Final Thoughts At almost exactly the same price as the cheapest Corolla, the VW Jetta S also provides a solid choice for first-time buyers or anyone looking for a new car that won't break the bank. The Jetta is comfortable, just about quick enough, practical, and is equipped with all the essentials. The Corolla is more efficient, but we'd say the two are on par in terms of specification. Honda charges more for the Civic, with its main benefits being spaciousness and enjoyable handling. For VW fans shopping in this segment, the Jetta S is a no-brainer, but these three cars are too closely matched for one to emerge as the clear class leader. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Express
6 hours ago
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Hot hatch fast and fun-to-drive Fantastically spacious family car Only £255 per month We absolutely love the Skoda Octavia here at Auto Express, so much so it recently won our Family Car of the Year award for the third time. Admittedly the regular version is not the most exciting thing to drive, but pair the smart and supremely spacious hatchback with the pleasingly potent engine from the VW Golf GTI and you have all the car most people could ever need. Right now, the Skoda Octavia vRS is available for only £255 per month! Through the Auto Express Find a Car service, you can get the Skoda Octavia vRS on a two-year lease for £255 per month. That price is being offered by Milease, with a £3,365 initial payment and an annual mileage allowance of 5,000 miles per year. Advertisement - Article continues below Naturally, you and your family might cover more than that in a year but, luckily, increasing the annual limit to 8,000 miles costs less than £10 a month extra. Even with the allowance pushed up to 10,000 miles per year, the Octavia vRS can still be yours for just £270 a month. Similarly, three-year lease deals are available from less than £280 per month. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Under the bonnet of this sensible-looking family car is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 261bhp and 370Nm of torque, all sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. That's enough oomph to get Octavia vRS from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, but can still return up to 40.9mpg, when you take things easier. As well as delivering impressive pace, the Octavia vRS is incredibly spacious and boasts a massive 600-litre boot. The luggage capacity grows to 1,555 litres when you fold the rear seats down, and if you've got a caravan to haul, the car can tow up to 1,600kg. Naturally, the vRS gets a subtly sportier look than the regular Octavia, courtesy of different bumpers, 19-inch alloy wheels and tuned suspension that makes the car sit lower 15mm. The interior also gets some special treatment, with sports seats, a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium pedal covers and lots of red stitching. The cherry on top of all of this is an impressive standard kit list that includes a 13-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, a 10.25-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' driver's display, a wireless charging pad, keyless start, adaptive cruise control, numerous other driver-assistance systems and, of course, several of Skoda's signature 'Simply Clever' features - such as a handy umbrella hidden in driver's door. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car retailers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Skoda Octavia vRS leasing offers from leading providers on our Skoda Octavia vRS deals hub page… Check out the Skoda Octavia vRS Deal of the Day or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production There's also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It's our Deal of the Day for 3 July Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand's latest entry-level model Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand's latest entry-level model A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari's new baby, but it's probably some simple new buttons that will get customers' attention
Auto Blog
19 hours ago
- Auto Blog
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Ford Mustang: Electric Crossover vs Muscle Car
American muscle turned electric crossover The Ford Mustang is an icon of the automotive industry, with more than 60 years of continuous production and 10 million models sold. The American muscle car is Ford's longest-running nameplate and wields a level of name recognition few other vehicles can match. That made it a prime choice for Ford's electric crossover, and so the Mustang Mach-E was born. While the two models may share a nameplate, that's where their similarities end. Performance at the ready, regardless of powertrain The Mustang nameplate has been synonymous with performance for as long as it's been around. No matter the body style or type of powertrain, you can bet any vehicle wearing the pony car's name comes packed with power. While the Ford Mustang muscle car's performance is a given, the electrified Mustang Mach-E manages to match it. The American muscle car comes with turbocharged four-cylinder and V8 engine options. The base Mustang EcoBoost Fastback's 2.3-liter turbo comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. If your heart doesn't desire higher performance, the Mustang starts at $31,920. For some, the Mustang just isn't itself without a V8 under the hood. The Mustang GT Fastback answers that call with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that puts out up to 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard. The GT Fastback starts at $46,560, which means upgrading to a V8 engine will cost you nearly $15,000. At the top of the range is the Mustang Dark Horse, which features a modified version of the V8 engine, producing 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. A trim-exclusive version of the six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The Dark Horse will cost you $64,380, but it isn't the most expensive – or exclusive – Mustang on the market. While it's more of an honorable mention, the Ford Mustang GTD is a rocket of a muscle car. Featuring a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Mustang GTD boasts more than 800 horsepower. A limited production model, the upcoming Ford Mustang GTD is expected to cost around $325,000. The Ford Mustang Mach-E features a similarly complex electrified powertrain, with performance varying according to drivetrain and battery size. When equipped with rear-wheel drive and 73 kWh standard-range battery, the base Mustang Mach-E Select produces 264 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque. Adding a second electric motor increases performance to 325 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the 88 kWh extended-range battery pushes the Mustang Mach-E to 370 horsepower. While the price will vary according to the powertrain setup, the Select model starts at $37,995. Most of the base model's performance metrics carry over to the Premium trim, with one new combination making its first appearance. Combining single-motor rear-wheel drive with the standard-range battery brings 272 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque to the road. Notably, that combination gives the Mustang Mach-E its peak range of 320 miles on a single charge. The top-tier trim levels are where the Mustang Mach-E's performance truly shines. The GT model comes with a 91 kWh battery and standard all-wheel drive, producing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the Mustang Mach-E Rally bumps performance to 700 lb-ft of torque. As far as pricing goes, the GT and Rally are available for $54,495 and $58,490, respectively. Power-packed trim for every driver The 2025 Ford Mustang comes in nine trim levels, with three switching out the hard roof for a convertible top. Notably, the Premium trim levels add more luxury and tech amenities to the otherwise standard variants. The EcoBoost Fastback is available from $31,920 and wears a sporty aesthetic, with dual exhaust with rolled tips, LED lighting, and aggressive 18-inch wheels. Inside, the base model is about what you'd expect, with the exception of 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.4-inch digital cluster displays. The convertible model starts at $40,120 and includes active noise cancellation and the security package. 2024 Ford Mustang — Source: Ford The EcoBoost Premium Fastback, priced from $37,545, puts an emphasis on comfort, with heated and cooled front seats joining the list of standard equipment. The convertible variant, from $43,045, comes with approach detection with welcome and farewell exterior lighting and pony projection lamps. The Mustang GT is the first trim on the range to come powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed manual. A dual 3.5-inch exhaust, '5.0' badging, and hood vent add to the aggressive demeanor. Inside, the V8-powered muscle car gets a more upscale interior, with a leather-wrapped shift knob and flat-bottom steering wheel. That V8 engine upgrade will cost you, though, with the GT Fastback starting at $46,560. The GT Premium Fastback pushes the envelope, priced from $51,080, with a more luxurious set of amenities, including leather-trimmed seats, illuminated door sill plates, and aluminum pedals. The convertible sees its price jump by $5,500 to $56,580. 2025 Ford Mustang — Source: Ford The Mustang Dark Horse marks the top of the range. Starting at $64,380, the modified 500-horsepower V8 engine comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A MagneRide damping system comes standard, as does a drift brake. Exclusive Dark Horse badging, a hood accent stripe, and unique front and rear fascias make the high-powered model stand out on the road. The Premium version combines that high performance with a touch of luxury. Available from $69,375, the range-topping trim includes a titanium anodized blue shift knob, heated steering wheel, and 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Switching gears, the Ford Mustang Mach-E boasts a plethora of tech across the range, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, phone as a key functionality, driver-assist systems, and Ford's connectivity package. BlueCruise hands-free driving also comes standard, but drivers need an active subscription to make use of it. A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and 15.5-inch touchscreen display make the list of standard equipment as well. All Mustang Mach-E models also include a drainable frunk, which the automaker advertised by filling it with chicken wings a while back. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E — Source: Ford Available from $37,995, the Mustang Mach-E Select rides on athletic 19-inch wheels complemented by LED lighting. Pony badging on the grille and liftgate nod to the nameplate's heritage. Inside, the base model includes a plethora of storage options, including an adjustable load floor with additional space underneath. A vinyl-wrapped steering wheel and black ActiveX upholstery add an upscale aesthetic to the electrified crossover. Stepping up to the Premium model will cost you $41,995, but it brings a whole host of high-end features, including a power liftgate, power-folding memory side mirrors, and power-adjustable front seats. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system creates a pristine listening experience. Climate-controlled front seats and a heated steering wheel help make the Mustang Mach-E feel more like a luxury model. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E — Source: Ford The Mustang Mach-E GT, priced from $54,495, brings the heat, with a 0-to-60 mph time that's on par with that of the Mustang Dark Horse and a standard equipment list to match. Athletic 20-inch aluminum wheels, red Brembo brake calipers, and a GT front fascia with illuminated pony badging give the EV an intimidating demeanor. Inside lies a performance gray interior complemented by silver stitching. Performance front seats and a GT logo on the center console lid complete the powerful interior. The top-spec Mustang Mach-E Rally boasts a unique grille shield with integrated fog lamps, trim-exclusive graphics, and 19-inch white wheels. A unique raised rear spoiler calls back to the Ford Focus RS performance model. The Mach-E Rally's interior matches the wheels with white interior accents. Sport pedals and an exclusive Rally logo mesh well with the RallySport drive mode. When all is said and done, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally starts at $58,490. Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally — Source: Ford Final thoughts Whereas the Ford Mustang muscle car comes in trims with varying levels of luxury, the Mustang Mach-E electrified crossover has a simpler lineup. The American pony car may have evolved over the years, but it still maintains the visceral spirit the original muscle car brought to the road. The Ford Mustang Mach-E marks the beginning of a new generation, with an electrified powertrain and upscale tech and amenities across the board. While neither model appeals to the same type of consumer, they both offer performance that the original pony car would be proud of. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
