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By EWAN
KENNEDY
26 October 2009
Ford has just given us a detailed preview of what is officially
the most fuel efficient in Australia. With measured fuel
consumption of just 3.7 litres per hundred kilometres on the
combined Australian test cycle (city 4.6 litres/country 3.2 litres)
and carbon dioxide output of only 98 grams per kilometre, the
Fiesta Econetic stands out from the crowd.
A crowd that includes petrol-electric hybrids, that use more fuel
than the turbo-diesel Ford. Power for the Fiesta Econetic comes
from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. It has been tuned very much
for economy so produces only 66 kilowatts. Peak torque is much
more respectable at 200 Newton metres – about the torque you
would expect from a 2.2-litre non-turbo petrol engine. Better
still the Ford turbo-diesel achieves its maximum torque at a mere
1750 rpm, meaning most drivers will have the engine at or close to
its peak virtually all of the time.
Higher than normal gearing is obviously used in the five-speed
manual gearbox as part of the economy equation. There is no
automatic transmission option as European drivers are generally
happier to go their own gear shifting. And people chasing minimal
fuel use are willing to sacrifice the convenience of an auto in
order to protect their bank account – and the air we all
breathe.
Other factors include improved aerodynamics. This is partly
achieved by lowering the car, so it may not be well suited to
rough country roads. Some weight reduction is achieved by fitting
a tyre mobility kit rather than a spare wheel/tyre. These changes
are probably not an important factor in a car that's almost
invariably bought for suburban and city use.
There are low-rolling resistance high-pressure tyres to further
cut fuel use.
As has been discovered by other engineers working on maximum fuel
efficiency, the biggest factor in clean cars isn't the new
technology behind them – it's the person behind the steering
wheel. To this effect, the Ford has advisory information on the
instrument panel telling drivers which is the best gear to be used
from moment to moment.
Following our initial road testing we can bring you our
impressions on fuel consumption, engine and gearbox performance,
handling and its behaviour on rough roads. Though the latter may
have to wait until we get an economically oriented Fiesta onto
roads in our home territory.
Chasing maximum publicity, Ford Australia displayed the Fiesta
Econetic at this year’s Melbourne Motor Show, and has now given
motoring journalists a detailed technical preview – although we
still haven’t been given a chance to drive it yet. That will
come in a few weeks time prior to its introduction to the market
on December 1 this year.
Interestingly the designers have given the Ford Fiesta Econetic
lines that make it look like every other Fiesta on the road.
Though to look at the garishly sign-written car proudly
proclaiming its economy feat you might think otherwise. This
styling is contrary to the thoughts of designers of hybrid cars
because they feel hybrid owners want to publicise their desire to
assist the environment. Both points of view are probably equally
valid.
Also interesting is the fact that the new president and CEO of
Ford Australia, Marin Burela, has heavily involved in the Ford
Fiesta Econetic from its earliest days. That was during his period
working with Ford Europe.
The Ford Fiesta Econetic will have a recommended retail price of
$24,990 driveaway. While it's more expensive than the entry-level
models in the Fiesta range, the price is pretty reasonable for a
turbo-diesel car with significantly more equipment than the
low-cost variant.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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