Fiesta ECOnetic

Ford has plunged to new lows with the Fiesta ECOnetic – the supermini uses less fuel and produces less CO2 than any car to wear the blue oval!

Set to appear at the Blue Oval’s Paris show stand, the newcomer boasts 76.3mph economy on the combined cycle, but stick to the motorways and the new supermini will be capable of 88.3mpg!

The 89bhp1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, which is fitted with a diesel particulate filter, emits only 98g/km of CO2, putting it into vehicle excise duty band A – which means owners won’t have to pay a penny in annual road tax!

Capable of reaching 62mph from standstill in 12.3 seconds, Ford promises the ECOnetic Fiesta does not sacrifice ‘the driving quality, style or practicality of the core Fiesta range’, despite a comprehensive list of aerodynamic and mechanical changes.

An improved drag coefficient by way of lowered ride height, new wheel covers and wheel deflectors increase aerodynamic efficiency, as do low rolling resistance tyres. Specially developed low friction engine oils and low viscosity transmission fluid, as well as a taller final drive ratio for the five-speed gearbox, make up the major mechanical changes.

The greenest Ford yet is expected to hit showrooms early in 2009.