Ford Shows the Way in Fuel Efficient Motoring

[russellw]

Ford gave Australian motorists a glimpse of the near future at the Melbourne International Motor Show today, when it revealed a new, highly fuel efficient and environmentally advanced vehicle that will show the way in delivering ultra-low CO2 emissions technology to consumers.

The Fiesta ECOnetic, which is a production model from Ford's ECOnetic range in Europe, took centre stage on the Ford stand at this year's show as part of the company's vision for a more sustainable future – a future that will become a reality in late 2009, when the Fiesta ECOnetic joins the local Ford line-up.

"Ford's Fiesta ECOnetic model will enable customers to drive a mainstream, fuel efficient and low CO2 emitting vehicle that is also stylish and affordable, " Ford Australia President & CEO Marin 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.

"Fiesta ECOnetic looks and functions just like conventional Fiesta, using conventional diesel powertrain technology, 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 hybrid models.

"Fiesta ECOnetic will be a compelling and stylish choice for customers, which will offer outstandingly low CO2 emission levels and genuine savings against the fuel cost of daily driving."

Using a combination of the latest generation common rail diesel powertrain, together with a carefully selected list of features that have been engineered to reduce fuel economy and CO2 emissions, Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a fuel consumption rating of 3.7 L/100km1 and a corresponding CO2 output of just 98 g/km.

Yet this efficiency is not at the expense of driving quality or performance, as the ECOnetic TDCi engine produces 66 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque.

"The Ford ECOnetic name was chosen because it links ecologically friendly technology to our kinetic design 'energy in motion' philosophy, for both driving quality and emotional styling," Mr Burela said.

"The challenge for the engineering team in developing the ECOnetic vehicle line was to deliver the maximum reduction in fuel economy and CO2 emissions using available and affordable technologies," Mr Burela said

This reduction in fuel usage and CO2 emissions has been achieved through the use of:

• A specially-calibrated Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel engine
• Low rolling resistance tyres
• Low viscosity engine and transmission oils, developed in conjunction with energy partner BP
• Longer final drive gear ratio
• Addition of a green shift indicator light in the instrument cluster, which signals the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy
• Improved aerodynamics – lowered ride height, air deflectors, unique wheel covers
• Weight reduction through the provision of a tyre mobility kit in lieu of a traditional spare wheel/tyre

While the European-specification Fiesta ECOnetic model on display will give visitors to this year's motor show a taste of what they can expect from Ford's approach to sustainable mobility, full Australian specification and pricing for the Fiesta ECOnetic will be released at a later date.

"Although our current range of imported models are already highly competitive in terms of CO2 emissions, we know that more and more car buyers are seeking the lowest possible vehicle emissions as a key 'why buy'," Mr Burela said.

"So we're taking this opportunity to give show-goers a first look at the Fiesta ECOnetic, ahead of its arrival later this year.

"Its introduction to the local Ford line-up will provide a genuine alternative to those customers who prioritise low CO2 emission performance when it comes to choosing a new vehicle."












Source: Ford Media

[Rob]

Tyre mobility kit eh?

Good on Ford though, I like the new Fiesta. Nice torque too!

[Stattic]

it looks like somethings been dropped on the engine lol

[#Russ#Es#]

Lets just hope Ford get it right advertising this car - it has huge potential...then again, with the waiting list issues people are having...

[Daymoe]

Is it just me or does this thing look and sound like the ultimate first car? Its small so its easy to park, zippy and going by the normal Fiesta, hopefully loaded up with goodies like Ipod adaptor etc.

[Mr Brooksy]

Err, put some wheels on it. It looks naked without them.

But the body is nice!!!

[Paxton]

Do we know that this is more efficient and greener than the Prius? Kevin Rudd's mob should be salivating over this.

Ford have released Australia's greenest car.

[XWGT]

3.7ltr / 100klm puts it on par with the VW diesel I think?

Its a great number. I hope it gets the support it deserves.

[XR6_190]

Great work, that would have to be the most efficient car in the country, here are some rivals to prove it:

Toyota Prius - 4.4 L/100
Proton Savvy - 5.7 L/100
Peugeot 207 XT HDi - 4.8 L/100
Hyundau i30 SX CRDi - 4.7 L/100
Ford Focus TDCi - 5.6 L/100
Citroen C3 HDi - 4.4 L/100
Audi A3 TDi e - 4.5 L/100
Ford Fiesta ECOnetic - 3.7 L100

That is a great plus point for Ford, something they haven't had many of in the past

[uranium_death]

The Fiesta looks fantastic.

Comparing the Fiesta with the Prius is like comparing a beautiful woman (whatever that may be to you) to the rude, old lady who serves fish and chips at the local shop.

I hope that people look beyond the badge and give the car a go.

[Ghiadude]

THEY NEED TO ADVERTISE THE LIVING OUT OF IT
otherwise its all for nothing

[GK]

Originally Posted by uranium_death

The Fiesta looks fantastic.

I hope that people look beyond the badge and give the car a go.

Agreed and agreed!

GK

[greenfoam]

Pretty much the ultimate car for 2009 but good luck getting one, you have to wait nearly 6 months to get your hands on a normal Zetec Fiesta and this one will be even more popular

[Daymoe]

Do you guys reckon this will be cheaper than the CL?

[greenfoam]

Originally Posted by Daymoe

Do you guys reckon this will be cheaper than the CL?

The econetic is more expensive than the petrol models in the UK and it will be here too, it'll be somewhere between 20 and 25k I think

[mik]

looks quite good.

[aquahead2001]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

The econetic is more expensive than the petrol models in the UK and it will be here too, it'll be somewhere between 20 and 25k I think

But compare that with a Prius and it's the bargain of the century.

Outstanding effort Ford, hurry up and get it here and as previously said, don't keep it a secret, tell Oztralia about it as loudly and as proudly as you can.

[Rastus]

Originally Posted by tx3dude

THEY NEED TO ADVERTISE THE LIVING OUT OF IT
otherwise its all for nothing

That's right!
Gotta let the people know that Ford can be/are the leaders in this sort of stuff! Change peoples perceptions.
Have them thinking "the best fuel economy = Fiesta diesel" Not a Hyundai i30 or some Hybrid!

[Bossxr8]

Cheaper to buy and run than a Prius, doesn't look like a hat full of a holes and you don't look like a self righteous greenie if you buy one.

That should be the advertising slogan.

[XR6_190]

This should be a ripper of a little package, if it is around the 22K mark than that should make it pretty good value, after all the new fiesta is only a little bit smaller than a focus that uses nearly twice as much fuel. (That has got to be the first time I've reffered to the Focus as being thirsty)

[FalconXV]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

The econetic is more expensive than the petrol models in the UK and it will be here too, it'll be somewhere between 20 and 25k I think

That might look a bit rich compared to VW Polo TDi and even larger i30 CRDi, it looks far too spartan to be a flagship and without the novelty factor of Prius/Insight, nobody would be willing to pay a premium that takes forever to pay back. If its on the right side of $20k, it will succeed.

[Daymoe]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

The econetic is more expensive than the petrol models in the UK and it will be here too, it'll be somewhere between 20 and 25k I think

For that price, you'd hope it would have all the same features as the Zetec, as in all the little flashy bits and bobs the Zetec comes with.

[greenfoam]

In the UK the Econetic and the top of the range Zetec are the same price but we don't get the top of the range Zetec here so it will have to be over 20k. But your right the Zetec with this motor would be perfect