Ultra-frugal Fords

Ford has confirmed its plans to introduce two super-efficient models to Europe in mid-2012.

The Focus ECOnetic Technology promises to deliver 83.1 mpg (3.4 l/100km) from its diesel engine while producing just 89 g/km of carbon dioxide. In fact, Ford claims it will be the most economical non-hybrid small family car available, and on paper the Focus certainly looks set to beat rivals such as the 76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km) Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX.

Ford Focus ECOnetic (2012) Front SideFord Focus ECOnetic (2012) Rear Side

But, more significantly, it matches the Toyota Prius on CO2 emissions and trounces the 96 g/km 2012 Honda Insight. On that basis at least, it just got more difficult to justify buying either of those hybrids, setting aside the extra green kudos that owning one may bring. Factor in purchase cost and the dubious environmental effects of manufacturing battery packs and hybrid drivetrains, and the decision becomes even harder.  

Joining the Focus will be the Fiesta ECOnetic Technology. Thanks to its smaller size, the Fiesta is expected to manage an even more impressive 85.6 mpg (3.3 l/100km) with projected CO2 emissions of 87 g/km.

Both cars will be displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where they’ll be joined by a Focus that’s powered by a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Together, the three models spearhead a push to roll out ECOnetic Technology features across the Ford range. These include active grille shutters, brake energy recuperation systems and automatic stop / start.

Commenting on the strategy, Graham Hoare, Executive Director Powertrain for Ford of Europe, said: “The Ford ECOnetic Technology initiative will include more and more Ford vehicles in the near future and we’re confident that our customers will appreciate the substantial improvements in fuel economy and cost-of-ownership.”

Related posts:
96 g/km Honda Insight
99 g/km Astra ecoFLEX
80 mpg Focus ECOnetic

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Zero Congestion Charge

Image
In a rare piece of good news for motorists, the beginning of 2011 saw a change to the London Congestion Charge that could see some drivers now (legally) avoiding the fee altogether. The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge. Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London . The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less. Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment. So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to ...
Read more