The Fiesta ECOnetic could also pave the way for other ECOnetic models. Photo Gallery
It's clean and green and perhaps most importantly, a hybrid beater in the fuel economy stakes.
Ford Australia announced this morning that it will add a hybrid-beating turbo-diesel Fiesta to its lineup later this year.
Unveiling what he describes as one of the most fuel-efficient hatches available, Ford Australia president and CEO Marin Burela, said the Fiesta ECOnetic was “an economy car without compromise”.
The modern direct-injection 1.6-litre diesel Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a fuel economy figure of just 3.7 litres/100km with a C02 emissions figure of just 98 g/km.
The ECOnetic is powered by a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel with a particulate filter that develops 66kW at 4000 revs and 200Nm from just 1750 revs.
“The Fiesta ECOnetic will enable customers to drive a mainstream, fuel efficient and low CO2 emitting vehicle that is also stylish and affordable,” Burela said.
“By launching a specific model, with dedicated Ford ECOnetic badging to designate its ultra-low CO2 results, we will be able to offer a clear alternative for those customers who prioritise low emission performance.”
The Fiesta ECOnetic could also pave the way for other ECOnetic models.
“Fiesta ECOnetic looks and functions just like conventional Fiesta, using conventional diesel powertrain technology,” Burela said.
“Yet it has the potential to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions compared to the current crop of competitive vehicles, as well as against today's most popular hybrids.
The car uses a combination of the latest generation common rail diesel powertrain, together with low rolling resistance tyres, aerodynamic aids, longer final drive gear ratio, 10mm lower suspension and specially calibrated diesel.
As well, the driver gets a green shift indicator light in the instrument cluster, which signals the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy.
The car gets a tyre mobility kit rather than a traditional spacesaver space to help further reduce weight.
Full local specifications and pricing will be released at a later date.
However, the UK-spec five-door ECOnetic costs $1000 less than the five-speed manual Titanium 1.6-litre petrol hatch, which closely equates to the Australian-spec $20,990 Zetec 1.6 five-speed.
