Ford continues its long drive to electrify its lineup. Latest arrival, the city car Fiesta which adopts for the first time a light hybrid engine (mHEV) with the presence of an alternator-starter and a 48 V battery.
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A promise remains a promise, even in these times when the automotive industry is suffering the brunt of the coronavirus crisis. Remember, this was in April 2019, a time when more than 10 people could still be reunited without risking a pandemic. In Amsterdam, the #GoElectric event revealed Ford’s battle plan for the electrification of its range to the European market.
That day, we were treated to a parade of all known variations of hybridization: light or mHEV at 48 V (Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, Puma, Tourneo and Transit), hybrid (Mondeo, Mondeo SW and Kuga ) and plug-in hybrid or plug-in in English (Explorer, Kuga, Transit and Tourneo). The automaker’s schedule calls for the marketing of 18 electrified vehicles by the end of 2021.
After the Ford Kuga, available under the three existing hybridizations, the Ford Puma in mHEV, here is the smallest of the Ford, alias the city car Fiesta, the best-selling vehicle in Europe in 2019.
125 and 155 hp engine
For the first time, the Fiesta has adopted a light hybrid engine – or mHEV – under the name EcoBoost Hybrid. The city car will be offered in 125 and 155 hp versions. These two engines have one thing in common: the presence of an 11.5 kW alternator-starter and a 48 V battery, which recharges during the deceleration and braking phases. Once charged, the system provides electrical assistance during acceleration. The objective is to save fuel (5 l / 100 km in WLTP cycles) and to contain CO2 emissions (112 g / km in WLTP cycles). Another gain for the Fiesta 155 hp version, a torque increased by 20 Nm for a total of 240 Nm.
Full of connectivity and driving aids
After a clean engine, the Ford Fiesta offers a high-tech environment with the Sync 3 home system, a 4G series modem that turns the city car into a Wi-Fi hotspot (up to 10 devices connected) and an induction charging . The main driving aids (ADAS) are the blind spot warning (BLIS) and a cross traffic alert. Finally, a perpendicular parking aid is also offered.
The Ford Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid is currently available to order. The 125 hp version (3 doors) starts from € 19,150 in its Cool & Connect finish, compared to € 22,750 for the 155 hp version, ST Line finish (5 doors). Obviously, petrol and diesel engines are in the game.
The next model expected is the Ford Explorer, a “big baby” available in a plug-in hybrid version. It should offer a capacity of seven people. We’ll talk about it again soon…
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