Callum pays tribute to the benchmark small hatch, reflects on how it endured the test of time, and asks if the famous name will ever return
When I heard the news that Ford was ceasing production of the Fiesta in June 2023 at the Cologne factory in Germany, I was overcome with melancholy about the prospect of its imminent demise. It’s been one of the most successful superminis in Britain, with almost five million models sold since it launched, and has trailblazed the category. From its inception in 1977, it’s been something of a stalwart with a broad yet intangible appeal that no other carmaker has ever really been able to replicate.
Back then, the first generation cost £1,856. But its most popular period started in 2008 when for twelve consecutive years it was the best-selling car in the country, which ended in 2020. Now in its seventh incarnation, the current range starts at £16,600 with a variety of guises to select from, with a model to meet every need and want. In the Fiesta’s 47-year timeline, it has become an icon in the automotive landscape, and the archetypal example of mass market mobility.
The Fiesta is to Ford what the Golf is to Volkswagen – the flagship model of the brand that’s recognised across the globe. Both are quintessential mass market transportation defined by quality and respectability. Given the revered reputation Ford has forged with the Fiesta, it does seem somewhat surprising that the company decided to drop the fabled model from production, especially so after selling more than twenty two million examples.
Ford haven’t prevaricated when explaining the reasons why. They referenced the transition to electrification and the transformation of their product portfolio that is taking place. In that process of mapping out its future, Ford has concluded that the Fiesta has no part to play in its plans. That decision is quite astonishing when you consider the significance the model has had for the company. From a strategic perspective, it comes with the opportunity for Ford to reinvent its image.
From a PR perspective, this chance to abandon the unwanted notoriety of petroleum fuelled combustion engines exacerbating the climate crisis has perhaps been tempting, and it’s something that Ford has maybe wanted to consign to history. One of the most symbolic gestures signifying that next chapter would be to remove all allusions from the past, to avoid any room for doubt. Without any other justification from Ford, it’s hard to deduce anything else right now.
"the challenge for Ford to create an iconic model for the electric era with the same appeal is no easy task"
That’s not to say that the Fiesta name won’t ever be resurrected by Ford at some point in the future, the familiarity would resonate strongly with people, and it would be one hell of a comeback that would send fanatics into a frenzy of adulation. But when you compare the approach Ford has taken with the Fiesta to the approach Renault has adopted with the Meganne name, and it does make you pause for rumination about what's best for Ford moving forwards.
However, the debate surrounding this talking point is mainly speculative and is mostly sentimental. As the company presses onwards electrifying the entirety of mass market model range by 2030, the next instalment of the process will be the launch of three new electric cars by 2024, and the chances of one of them being the successor to the Fiesta is likely. Ford has not disclosed any details to divulge this far in advance, but the likelihood of that possibility is favourable. If that prospect transpires, the electric replacement might well be based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.
Ford has an alliance with the German carmaker for strategic purposes to reduce costs. Whether that descendent comes with the Fiesta name though is as yet inconclusive. But regardless of that uncertainty, the challenge for Ford to create an iconic model for the electric era with the same appeal is no easy task, and replacing it is unlikely to be straightforward. The Fiesta has been the benchmark small hatch that has set the standards in pivotal areas, separating it from rivals. Sure, other carmakers have come close to it with credible alternatives, but they have copied aspects of the original trendsetter.
No matter what variant, the Fiesta has always been decent to drive. But probably the best example though that has always been great to drive is the ST version. The roots of the latest iteration can be tracked back to the first generation hot hatch Fiesta, the Supersport in 1980, and it featured a selection of sportier if modest upgrades over the standard models. Updates like black front and rear spoilers, wheel arch extensions, additional driving lights, 13-inch alloy wheels and a sports gearshift all undoubtedly made it more desirable.
Although these modifications may be underwhelming cosmetic changes, the adjustments nevertheless laid the foundations for the faster Fiestas that were yet to come – Ford had to start somewhere. The Supersport was the launchpad kickstarting a more focused approach towards fast Fiestas, with Ford implementing serious measures to improve performance and driving dynamics. This was evident on the RS Turbo that launched in 1990, although it wasn’t the finest fast Fiesta Ford would manufacture.
"why I feel particularly pensive about the Ford Fiesta’s demise though is because it’s the inevitability of time"
The ST badge wouldn’t feature on the Fiesta until the fifth generation. Unveiled in 2005, it produced 150bhp from the 2.0-litre engine, making it the most powerful Fiesta ever made at the time. That output crammed into such a compact body, combined with lower and stiffer suspension, meant a more satisfying driving experience. From this model variant, the blueprint has advanced. But the appeal of the Fiesta ST was that the performance orientation came in tandem with practicality.
This blend of traits is best showcased in the latest seventh generation Fiesta ST. It's evolved and matured into a more refined hot hatch with grace and class. Despite having a mellower demeanour (don’t let that deceive you), it’s still inherently playful and fun when the mood takes you. With a 1.5-litre inline-three-cylinder engine that produces 197bhp, it’s actually quite the rocket ship. The torque is potent enough to send it from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, and there’s enough power output to reach a 144mph top speed. That’s some fast stats for a Fiesta.
With that performance intertwining with such convenience, the Fiesta ST would probably slip into your daily life with ease. It makes it all the more sobering that Ford are discontinuing production, as it’s all the car you could ever need and want. The Fiesta has been part of the automotive landscape for so long, that it’s hard to imagine it ending. It’s what makes it all the more surprising, even strange, that Ford have decided to stop using the name, at least for now in this guise.
But why I feel particularly pensive about the Ford Fiesta’s demise though is because it’s the inevitability of time. It reminds me of my own mortality, and that my time is limited too – everything is temporary, nothing lasts forever. Just looking at some of the milestones from each generational lifecycle, the longevity has immortalised the Fiesta in the history of the Ford Motor Company. The timeline of the Fiesta has been set in stone, and it signals the end of an era.
Photo: Ford
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