2020 Ford Fiesta mild hybrid starts at £19,860

Ford has unveiled a mild hybrid version of the Fiesta. It will have a starting price of £19,860, with deliveries expected to begin in late-2020. 

Available in 125PS and 155PS, the new hybrid system features a 48V belt-driven starter/generator and relies on regenerative braking to charge a lithium ion battery. The tech is the same used in the Ford Puma.

Ford says the hybrid system delivers  more torque to the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, as well as provide assistance at lower speeds to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Ford claims the 125PS Ecoboost Hybrid is capable of 109g/km of CO2 and 52.3mpg on the WLTP test cycle, an improvement of up to five per cent compared with the non-hybrid engine.

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A 95PS 1.0-litre petrol is still available as the entry-level engine, while the non-hybrid 125PS model can now be equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. An 85PS 1.5-litre diesel is also offered for high-mileage drivers.

The mild hybrid Fiesta comes as part of Ford's plans to introduce 14 electrified vehicles across Europe by the end of 2020. However, a full plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Fiesta has not been announced.

All versions of the 2020 Fiesta have received technology upgrades, too, including active braking for the Cross Traffic Alert system, a relocated subwoofer for the optional B&O Play sound system for more boot space and new Sport and Trail drive modes for the Fiesta Active.

Fiesta Active and ST-Line variants also get a perpendicular park function for the active park assist.

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