Ford Fiesta hybrid and Ford Focus hybrid announced

The Ford Fiesta supermini – the UK’s best-selling car – and the Ford Focus hatchback had mild-hybrid technology added to their line-ups in 2019. This is as far as Ford is going with electrification of its more popular models for now: there's no news of a plug-in hybrid Fiesta or Focus in the short term. For now, the only plug-in hybrid models in the range are the Kuga and Mondeo.

Ford says its 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine delivers improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, as well as better acceleration at low speeds.

The mild-hybrid system features a starter-generator, which allows energy to be recovered through regenerative braking. This charges the 48-volt lithium-ion battery, which can be deployed to assist the engine or help run the car’s electrical components.

The technology will be revealed at an event in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 2 April 2019.

“Our new Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models are examples of Ford’s commitment to deliver new, more environmentally sustainable vehicles,” said Ford’s group vice president Steven Armstrong.

“We’ve gone to every length to develop mild-hybrid powertrains for two of our most popular cars that will help keep cash in customers’ pockets while remaining true to the Ford ‘fun to drive’ philosophy.”

Ford says the Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid should emit around 112g/km of CO2 and return 48mpg, while the Focus EcoBoost Hybrid is expected to hit 106g/km and 50mpg.

“Our 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has already proven that fuel-efficiency and performance can go hand-in-hand,” said Ford’s vice president, marketing, sales and service Roelant de Waard. “Our EcoBoost Hybrid technology takes that to the next level.”

“We believe customers are going to love the smooth and urgent power delivery of our EcoBoost Hybrid powertrains just as much as they’ll enjoy less frequent trips to the fuel pumps.”

Ford has also said that its Transit 2-tonne and Transit Custom vans are in line to receive mild-hybrid technology, as is the forthcoming Tourneo Custom people carrier.

Earlier this year, Ford announced that all new cars from the Focus onwards would come with at least one electrified option.