New electric SUV to replace Ford Fiesta in 2023
Ford teases all-new EV that’s set for bold US-influenced styling and Volkswagen ID.4 platformFord has issued the first teaser image of an incoming all-new pure-electric SUV ahead of its launch in the middle of 2023.
Set to be based on VW’s MEB architecture that also underpins the Volkswagen ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV, the Blue Oval’s latest battery-powered SUV will be an indirect replacement for the Ford Fiesta that has been axed after more than 46 years of production.
Posted on social media by two high-ranking Ford executives, the darkened image could suggest the all-electric SUV is close to its official unveiling.
The most revealing of the two previews is by Martin Sander – the new boss of the Ford Model E electrification division – who posed while lifting the cover off the front of the new SUV.
Great to see so many of our media friends today in our @Ford in Europe Design Center. Can't wait for 2023 to arrive, when we will pull the cover of our first electric passenger vehicle coming from #Cologne. #EVs #ElectricVehicle #NewYear2023 pic.twitter.com/3wH3ixEWCW
— Martin Sander (@MSander22) December 15, 2022
Considering the platform it’s based on, the still-to-be-named SUV will be much bigger than the Fiesta and is set to be a direct rival from both the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq.
Drawing plenty of influence from the well-received Ford Bronco and F-150, Ford of Europe’s marketing boss Peter Zillig confirmed the success of all-electric cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E means the European-built SUV would play up to its car-maker’s American roots.
The shadowy teaser doesn’t reveal much, other than a traditional SUV silhouette, short overhangs and a pair of new upside-down tick daytime running lamps.
As well as US-inspired styling, Zillig said that all new Fords will be designed under an ‘Adventurous Spirit’ mantra because it helps owners and buyers “connect emotionally with consumers who say they know we’re American, but don’t feel we’re American”.
“Adventurous Spirit is meaningful because it is authentic. We’re not inventing something new. Instead, we’re channelling a strength that has helped define Ford for fast-approaching 120 years. We are tapping into something intangible, but real,” he said.
The new SUV will join what Ford is calling an ‘Active Adventure’ family, sitting alongside the other models like the Ford Kuga.
Other new sub-brands in the works include: Wild Performance, which includes the Ford Mustang; Urban Escape, where the Ford Puma lives; and Ultimate Outdoor, where the most hardcore Bronco and Ranger Raptor live.
It’s been confirmed the new MEB-based SUV will be built in Cologne at the same plant as the outgoing Fiesta.
Technical specifications are still to be released, but if the Ford SUV has plenty in common with the Volkswagen ID.4 we can expect both single-motor/rear-drive and dual-motor/AWD layouts and a 52kWh and 77kWh battery options.
Ford is also planning to produce a battery-powered version of the Puma, also based on the MEB platform.
As well as making not one, but two MEB-based SUVs Ford says it will also produce a battery-powered version of its Puma.
Related: Ford lays out its EV sales model
Related: Ford: We’ve learned a lot from Tesla
Related: Ford Mustang Mach-E 2022 Review
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