Ford's Fiesta is Australia's Fuel Miser
The 'Empire' has struck back.
Ford has just launched Australia's most fuel-efficient car (3.7l/100kms) and it's not a hybrid. The Fiesta ECOnetic uses a superb 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine and clever engineering to metaphorically thumb its nose at the Japanese petrol-electric hybrid technology that has hitherto dictated the terms in motoring's fuel efficiency war.
Introducing the new, fuel-miserly, made-in-Germany Fiesta at it's Canberra launch , Ford Australia President and CEO, Martin Burela, noted with a wary smile that simultaneously, 700kms south, in Melbourne, Toyota was hyping-up the first hybrid Camry to roll from its Altona production line
What You Get
When we first sampled Ford's new European Fiesta, we commented that this was one of the world's finest small cars. The combination of nice styling, handy interior space, the best-in-class on-road dynamics and sharp pricing means it simply must be on the shopping list for anyone considering a new small car.
As well as this super-economical diesel, you can buy Fiestas in three models grades powered by 1.6-litre and 1.4-litre, four cylinder petrol engines.
The ECOnetic looks and functions like any other, but the technology applied to its 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine and elsewhere in its drivetrain/chassis means it not only surpasses the fuel consumption figures of the best hybrid, it belts them for six!
And priced at $24,990, Ford has certainly delivered a masterstroke with the Fiesta ECOnetic.
Under The Hood
Ford's 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel is the latest common rail design which injects fuel at very high pressure for maximum efficiency. It also features a coated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Maximum power is 66kW at 4000rpm and peak torque of 200Nm arrives from as low as 1,750rpm.
The highway fuel consumption figure is 3.2l/100kms, the urban cycle fuel consumption is 4.6l/100kms and the combined cycle is 3.7l/100kms.
During the launch drive program around Canberra, Ford set us a challenge to drive as economically as possible over a variety of roads. Two-up and sticking to the speed limits, but with judicious use of the throttle, the air-conditioning turned off and changing gears as guided by the dash-mounted economy light, we achieved fuel consumption as low as 3.0l/100kms and never worse than 3.2l/100kms (as indicated by the Fiesta's fuel consumption gauge).
Emissions are impressive too - 98g/km of C02. Ford says Fiesta ECOnetic is only the second vehicle in Australia - and the first non-hybrid - to achieve a sub-100g/km C02 figure.
The Interior
We've liked the Fiesta's interior since launch and there are no real changes for the ECOnetic. Only the green arrow which illuminates on the rev counter when it is the most economical time to change gear - in our drive program this was most often around 2,000rpm.
It's an excellent, contemporary European design. The dashboard is deep to cater for the rather steep rake of the windscreen and the small front quarter windows are only for appearance, as drivers don't really use them for anything.
We liked the thick, leather wrapped steering wheel (adjusts for rake and reach) and the smoothly shaped gear lever, which we found to be nicely positioned. And the single CD/Bluetooth/USB/MP3 audio system with its centre console modelled from a mobile telephone keypad still looks great and is easy to manage.
Rear seat room is surprisingly spacious and the 281-litre luggage space (rear seat in place) is competitive for this segment. The rear seat splits 60/40.
Exterior & Styling
Ford's European styling studio in Cologne, Germany has an excellent reputation (the current Mondeo range for example) and we think the Fiesta is one of their best. In fact the compact Ford won a Red Dot Design Award from Germany's Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.
Fiesta disproves the traditional thinking that small hatchbacks must be an evolution of the 'three-box' designs from the '70s.
It's all very curvaceous and sculptured from the low front end and modern headlights to the swooping sides and raised rear end, the Fiesta epitomizes contemporary automotive design and we like it a lot.
On The Road
We were very impressed with the Fiesta's on-road dynamics when it first launched - in fact we reckons it delivers the segment's best drive. This view has not changed with the ECOnetic.
Sure there have been some changes. Fiesta ECOnetic rides on unique 16-inch wheels fitted with Michelin low rolling resistance tyres. To aid aerodynamics, the ride height is slightly lower and there are under-body air deflectors.
But it's still the Fiesta we enthused about at launch - refined, balanced and responsive - a small car that driving enthusiasts will enjoy. The low rolling resistance tyres were a real surprise - no noticeable rise in noise and grip levels were good.
The 1.6-litre turbo diesel was a good performer with abundant torque - as we proved in our economy run drive program - and, in the way of the latest European diesels, very quiet.
Challenges
Just two quibbles - the standard Fiesta front seats are lacking a little in the under-thigh support department and some new car buyers might feel a bit intimidated by the tyre mobility kit which replaces the traditional spare wheel in the Fiesta ECOnetic (to save weight and hence reduce fuel consumption). For the record, the benefits accruing from jettisoning traditional spare wheels outweigh the risks.
Verdict
Australia has a new fuel consumption king - and one that comes handily priced.
The extra good news is that it's a Fiesta - which brings with it the excellent on-road dynamics and driving enjoyment inherent in Ford's top-shelf European small car.
The Competition
Diesel-powered European small cars are all very highly credentialed, but Ford's ECOnetic Fiesta is the pick.
Volkswagen's 1.9-litre Polo is sharply priced, as is the Fiat Punto with its 1.2-klitre engine while Citroen's C3 with its 1.6-litre diesel will require you to find some extra coin.
Likes
Number 1 for fuel consumption; great drive; well-equipped
Dislikes
Drivers seat could be more adjustable
