Ford has unveiled Europe’s most efficient non-hybrid family car at the Frankfurt motor show The Focus Econetic Technology is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel and returns 83.1mpg and emits 89g/km of C02, which the Blue Oval claims is the best in Europe for a C-segment machine.
Ford has also showcased an Econetic Technology variant of the Fiesta at Frankfurt. The first Fiesta to be fitted with start-stop technology, it can do 85.6mpg and delivers 87g/km.
The Econetic Technology badged petrol and diesel models will offered with 1.0-litre or 1.6-litre EcoBoost engines or a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine. The cars will come with host of eco-orientated features, such as auto-start-stop, smart regenerative charging, Ford Eco Mode driver information system and a gearshift indicator.
The 106bhp 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine will be the most frugal. It has been optimised for enhanced fuel efficiency with a new injection system, addition friction reduction features, a more efficient combustion system, enhanced cooling and revised engine management.
A feature unique to the Focus Econetic Technology is the lean nitrogen oxide trap in combination with a coated diesel particulate filter, which allows an even leaner combustion process in the engine.
The 1.6-litre diesel in the Focus Econetic Technology is paired with Ford’s six-speed Durashift manual transmission. The lighter Fiesta Econetic Technology uses a five-speed manual transmission that also has been optimised to eliminate frictional losses.
The Focus Econetic Technology is fitted with an active grille shutter, which uses vents to control airflow to the cooling system and engine compartment and shuts to reduce drag if air isn’t needed. The Fiesta variant doesn’t have this technology, but it does a new aerodynamics package, with specially developed undershields to help air pass unobstructed beneath the car.
The company is rolling out its Econetic Technology across its line-up, and predicts that half of the all Fords sold in Europe will carry the Econetic Technology badge by the middle of next year, increasing to two-thirds by 2013.
A third new offering at Frankfurt will be a Focus powered by the new 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
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