Ford Fiesta Zetec Econetic 1.6 TDCi 95PS first drive review

It wasn’t long ago that I spent a week test-driving the original Fiesta Econetic, where it scored a very decent 90% for its eco-ideals, strong mpg performance; mixed with peppy performance and usual fast ‘n’ fun Fiesta chassis. Well, Ford have gone and tweaked their most economical Fiesta further – with the addition of an automatic start / stop system and revised gearing, amongst other adjustments - for increased economy.

So, CO2 has dropped from 95g/km to the a new 87g/km level, while the claimed economy figure has made a jump from 78.5mpg to a pretty astonishing 85.6mpg for the new Econetic. That’s got to be worth a spin!

Ford Fiesta Zetec Econetic 1.6 TDCi 95PS first drive review

First impressions:
Nothing has much changed on the outside for this improved Fiesta Econetic; it’s mostly from under the skin and under the bonnet where Ford found further fuel savings, but as the UK’s favourite small car, it’s clear that there is much to like in the Fiesta’s face.

More eco-focused cars tend to get smaller wheels and indeed the Fiesta Econetic rolls on 14-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tyres. For me, bigger wheels make the car, like we see on the sporty Fiesta Metal with its black 17-inch alloys, but unfortunately, we can’t have our eco-cake and eat it with a big-wheels-fork.

Still, the Fiesta shape is a handsome one, and in these tough times, surely absence (from the petrol pumps) makes the heart grow fonder.

Into the interior:
The Fiesta Zetec model with its Econetic diesel engine starts at £14,995, and this Econetic engine isn’t the cheapest. But, if you keep the car for a good few years and travel a good few miles in that time, then it’s the fuel savings that’ll be the biggest payback. As well as the zero road tax.

I’ve driven a fair few current Fiesta models and every one comes with a great driving position, with plenty of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. And this Fiesta Econetic is no different.

The steering is light and precise with the Fiesta’s usual fast front-end turn in grip, and even with its extra eco-focus, the 95PS Econetic diesel engine is quite a peppy performer.

It’ll buzz through its five forward gears quick enough with a decent useable spread of turbodiesel torque, and the gearbox never missed a trick for me. So, yes, you can work up a decent pace in the Econetic, but it’s all about working with the car to maximise your miles between fill ups.

There’s an up-change indicator to remind you to shift and the start / stop system cuts the engine – and restarts it with a lift off the brake pedal – whenever there’s a lull in forward proceedings. Drive this Econetic carefully and forward-think about gear changes and coasting opportunities and see if you can match Ford’s combined economy figure of 85.6mpg. The Fiesta Econetic has all the tools for you to try but we’ll have to give it a full, week-long test drive to properly measure the figures.

Ten second sum up:
The new Ford Fiesta Econetic diesel is even more Econetic than before, and even with its more frugal intentions, it’s still peppy enough for an exciting Fiesta drive. The new economy figures are up to 85.6mpg (combined) and CO2 now sits at an extremely low 87g/km, making this new model very attractive to private and fleet buyers alike.

Prices and availability:
The Ford Fiesta Econetic range now starts at £14,445 for the Fiesta Edge Econetic with the new, even more frugal engine. Price as tested, £14,995, for Zetec Econetic model. Available now.

www.ford.co.uk
























Follow us @TotallyMotor