Ford’s 85.6mpg Fiesta

This month’s Frankfurt Motor Show is probably the most green-leaning event ever, with hybrid tech, electric vehicles and super-frugal diesels grabbing more headlines than the big-dollar supercars for once. And Ford are gunning for their fair share of the eco-limelight with two new ECOnetic models on display at the show next week.

And here are those readymade headlines: Ford Focus ECOnetic at 83.1mpg 89g/km CO2, making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid family car currently available in Europe. Ford Fiesta ECOnetic at 85.6mpg and 87g/km. Both cars are well below the current benchmark of 100g/km of CO2, and well on the way to nudging 100mpg.

Wrapped around these frugal engines are a whole host of other technical details that help the Focus and Fiesta ECOnetics hit the kind of figures every hard-pressed motorist wants to see. Here’s a rundown:

Auto-Start-Stop: Auto-Start-Stop will be available in every Ford car-line from end of 2012. It automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle – at a traffic light, for example – and restarts the engine when the driver makes inputs to move off, saving the fuel wasted at tick over while the vehicle is stopped. This feature can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10 per cent in urban driving.

Smart Regenerative Charging: Fiesta and Focus ECOnetic Technology feature an enhanced new version of this system, which increases the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates. This converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy without having to use additional fuel. The “free” electric current is used to recharge the battery, so that it can be used by the electrical systems at a later stage. An advanced battery management system continually monitors the charging status so that the regenerative charging feature can charge the battery in the optimal way.

Ford Eco Mode: Ford Eco Mode is a driver information system that helps drivers change their habits and adopt a more economical driving style, with potential fuel savings for many drivers of about 10 per cent. Sophisticated software – developed with the help of professional green driving tutors – monitors driving behaviour, and provides the driver with clear feedback about their eco-driving performance, along with simple tips about how to save more fuel. A simple flower graphic in the instrument cluster display allows drivers to track their progress in the three key areas of gear shifting, anticipation and speed. Sounds fun! 

Gearshift Indicator: Shift Indicator Light can be a useful reminder for drivers prioritising economy. An indicator light, which is displayed in the instrument cluster, alerts drivers when they could reduce fuel consumption by shifting into a higher gear. You’d be surprised how often a system like this prompts an earlier up-shift. 

"We achieved the low emissions and the class-leading fuel economy by analysing every single detail in the engine and transmission and effectively applying all our leading edge powertrain technologies wherever possible. And, importantly, we didn't sacrifice the performance feel of the engine – it still delivers substantial power and torque," Graham Hoare said of the ECOnetic engines. Engines that have been under the eco-microscope.

Behind the smoothed grilles of both ECOnetic Technology models is a new version of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine – producing 95PS in the Fiesta and 105PS in the Focus – which has been optimised for enhanced fuel efficiency with a new injection system, additional friction reduction features, more efficient combustion system, enhanced cooling and revised engine management.

The common rail fuel injection system of the shared diesel engine has been completely redesigned, with improved eight-hole injectors and controlled by a more powerful engine management system. The new injection system delivers more precise control and increased combustion efficiency.

To provide more accurate control of the charge air temperature and to deliver a cooler, denser charge – charge is the air that’s fed into the engine for combustion - the Focus engine's intake system features a water-cooled charge cooler in place of the standard air-to-air system. This reduces pumping losses and allows cooler, denser charge on acceleration. The Focus also uses a new variable geometry turbocharger design as opposed to the Fiesta's fixed geometry unit. 

So it’s all about the minute control of the fuel and air combustion process, squeezing every last drop of power out of each drop of fuel; wrapped up in the most aerodynamic bodywork possible. And turning the engine off the moment it’s not being used. 

It’s all part of Ford’s drive to expand their ECOnetic range of cars, and with no light at the end of the fuel-price-tunnel, it’s the kind of drive many motorist will enjoy. 



Ford Fiesta ECOnetic. Not much comes out of this tailpipe



Ford Focus ECOnetic. Smoothed bodywork, eco-focused engine and driver prompts all help sip the fuel





By Daniel Anslow

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