11 May 2012 by Parkers Team

  • Claimed fuel economy is an impressive 85.6mpg
  • CO2 emissions are road tax-free 87g/km
  • Econetic diesel is £2,500 more than petrol model

Currently, the champion of fuel economy for conventional, non-hybrid cars is the Kia Rio that returns a claimed average of 88.3mpg, but biting at the Korean hatchback’s heels is the new Ford Fiesta Econetic.

The official statistics will tell you that this new frugal Fiesta returns a combined average fuel consumption of 85.6mpg, while emitting a road tax-free 87g/km of CO2.

It’s impressive stuff, even though Ford is not making a song and dance about it, not surprising when you consider that official fuel consumption figures have taken a thorough beating recently.

Of course, your fuel consumption depends on how you drive. If you drive like you are trying to beat the land speed record don’t expect 85.6mpg to be on the Fiesta’s computer trip readout, but if you drive normally you should reasonably expect to get around 60mpg.

With fuel costs spiralling out of the control and little prospect of a government cut in duty, the priority for many car buyers is to rein in running costs. Keeping the fuel bills down is now a key part of ownership and cars like the Fiesta Econetic diesel should be high on buyers’ lists.

To achieve these improved efficiencies on the Econetic, Ford has revised the gear ratios, introduced regenerative charging and an eco driving mode and updated the air-con system.

All this is good news but the major downside is the purchase price. A three-door Fiesta Econetic diesel in Zetec trim with a five-speed manual gearbox has a list price of £14,995 and with Ford’s clampdown on discounts don’t expect much in the way of a money-off deal. The equivalent petrol version, that returns an official average of 51mpg, will set you back £12,495 – a £2,500 difference. So that means you’ll have to travel an awful lot of miles for quite a few years for the diesel version to pay off.

As far as the driving experience is concerned the Fiesta Econetic still takes some beating in this category. It’s got responsive, well-weighted steering and the 93bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine’s got enough low-down pull and cruising ability to make everyday driving reasonably comfortable. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes 12.5 seconds and it’ll go on to a top speed of 111mph. It rides well too, but it can get a little noisy when you push it hard.

Inside, the Fiesta is a little bit garish and plasticky but it’s no worse than say a Mazda2, Vauxhall Corsa or a Suzuki Swift. The only cars in this category with more robust/attractive interiors are the Volkwagen Polo and the Peugeot 208.

The seats are comfortable and the bootspace adequate. The Zetec kit list includes 14-inch steel wheels, air-con, CD/radio, electric heated door mirros and electric windows but if you want more kit you can spend £1,200 extra to get the Titanium model. This trim adds auto wipers, climate control, an upgraded DAB radio, Bluetooth and voice control, heated windscreen, perimeter alarm and privacy glass.

The new Fiesta Econetic is a real step forward in terms of running costs and its 87g/km CO2 emissions means you’ll pay no road tax. It is comparatively expensive to buy, but if you are determined to get a car that’ll keep your monthly motoring budget to an absolute minimum it should be on your list of considerations.

To read the full Ford Fiesta review click here.

Also consider:
Kia Rio
Roomy alternative with impressive fuel economy. Not quite as much fun to drive as the Fiesta.

Vauxhall Corsa
If keeping your fuel bills down is a priority, then you’ll go for the EcoFlex versions. Haggle for a hearty discount.

Peugeot 208
Go for the three-cylinder version. It is economical, fun to drive and it looks great.