Ford Fiesta  Econetic

But its diesel...... Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus and this Fiesta  is Fords way to capitalise on technology that has been proven time and time a gain,  The diesel engine.

The USA will get a taste of this but it first came into being about 2008 in the UK British International Motor show. Upon restructuring after that multi Billion dollar loss the aim for Ford was to build this unit in the US for the US market..

The Greener Fiesta Econetic for Australia

The tick of approval for greener type buyers is the stunning result of 98g/km of CO2 ( Prius 104 g/km CO2) and 61 MPG( That's US)

This  little beast boasts a 1.6 lt  TDC-i Turbo charged diesel. The secret is in the final drive ratio that has become  considerably higher. Fuel saving tricks like lowering the suspension,   appropriate aerodynamics,  low rolling tyres plus using a low friction oil all combines to make this the most economical vehicle on the market in Australia , well for now anyway.

Not being familiar with the diesel its best left to those whom may drive and comment on that engine but during a suitable test run with the petrol  this vehicle shone in the handling stakes.

But it still said European budget car to me.  The driver will notice a budget feel with European controls that as we know annoys the heck out of most Australians. But it does have low down power and handles OK.

And now for the Price...

Good Luck Ford with this Fiesta econetic for Australia, Oh I wish we could just bring in a good priced economical vehicle and send the cat amongst the alternative fuel pigeons. But that wont happen. Price will dictate the sales here. Just like the Prius. If Toyota priced this vehicle  like in the US it would be a serious contender in the market.

They still didn't learn from Hyundai in the late 90s how to grab a market share quickly.

UK Launch of the Fiesta econetic