Ford is joining the sub-100g/km club with a full-size family car equipped with automatic start-stop technology.
Ford has taken the current Focus Econetic 1.6-litre diesel TDCi, introduced in early 2008, and made a range of improvements to produce two versions: one with the ability to switch off automatically when idling and one without. With the auto-start-stop system (it cuts the engine when the car is in stationary traffic and restarts when either the clutch or accelerator is pressed) carbon dioxide emissions are reduced to 99g/km and fuel consumption is improved to 74.2mpg.
That will put it head-to-head with VW's second-phase Golf Bluemotion also due out in early 2010 and with CO2 emissions of 99g/km. Without auto-start-stop, the Econetic's emissions rise to 104g/km and average mpg drops to 70.6mpg, but this is an improvement on the current Econetic Focus that emits 115g/km and averages 65mpg.
The Focus Econetic has modifications compared with the standard car including improved aerodynamics to reduce drag, low-rolling resistance tyres and more efficient charging of the battery all designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.
There is also a new driver information system, dubbed Eco Mode, which creates a driver's profile based on their driving style and then provides tips on how to improve that individual's fuel consumption.
Unfortunately there will be no significant benefit for company car drivers as the taxation system is set up to benefit all cars with CO2 emissions up to 120g/km equally.
In fact tax bills will most likely be higher because of the list price premium of the Econetic through its extra technology compared with standard Focus 1.6 TDCi models.
Unfortunately there will be no significant benefit for company car drivers as the taxation system is set up to benefit all cars with CO2 emissions up to 120g/km equally.
In fact tax bills will most likely be higher because of the list price premium of the Econetic through its extra technology compared with standard Focus 1.6 TDCi models.
The new Focus ECOnetic will be available from early 2010 with specification and pricing expected to be similar to the current model.