Ford Fiesta Econetic

The latest Fiesta has already established itself as our favourite supermini, thanks to its broad range of talents. The one area which has so far let the model down is its price tag. But the ECOnetic version represents such great value for money that the Ford can now battle the competition on two fronts: fuel economy and cost. Being able to lay claim to the title of Britain’s cleanest car is the final weapon in an already highly impressive armoury.Rival: VW Polo BluemotionThis fuel-sipping hatchback started the current trend for low-emission superminis. As with the Ford, the Volkswagen employs some simple tricks, such as more aerodynamic bodywork and low-resistance tyres – and reduces its CO2 emissions to a tax-busting 99g/km. But unlike the Fiesta, the Polo costs more than its less fuel-efficient stablemates.

You might not have noticed it out on the road, but the most fashionable colour of the moment is green! And while its use is currently limited to badges and stickers, it can be seen on an ever-wider range of cars. The question is, can its growing popularity be sustained?

The answer at Ford is a resounding yes! Since launching ECOnetic in May, the blue oval has used the green logo to denote the most environmentally friendly models in each range. And even though the regular new Fiesta is hardly a gas-guzzler, engineers still saw room for improvement. The result will be the most fuel-efficient five-seater in the UK when it goes on sale next March – and this week, Auto Express got behind the wheel of the prototype.

The beauty of Ford’s ECOnetic line-up (the ‘netic’ part comes from the manufacturer’s kinetic design principle) is that relatively simple modifications deliver impressive results. This new Fiesta version is no different. The main change is that it’s 20mm lower, courtesy of shorter, stiffer springs as used on the Zetec S variant, so improving the aerodynamics.

This is hardly a dramatic modification – and you’d never notice the low-rolling-resistance tyres, either, unless you examined them close-up. Neither is there anything to suggest that low-friction oil is pumping round the engine. Inside, too, there’s the same big car feel as in the standard model, with seats which really cosset occupants for such a small vehicle.

Quality

The dash is covered in funky, slightly rubberised plastic, the switches are nearly up to VW quality and hard, scratchy materials are kept for the places where you don’t see them. Only the door handles could be better, as these feel flimsy and brittle.

Where the ECOnetic character really becomes apparent is when you get underway on the road. The first thing you notice is the green gearshift arrow on the rev counter flashing at 1,500rpm. Thanks to taller gearing and an increased final-drive ratio, this indicates that the 1.6-litre turbodiesel is approaching its maximum 204Nm of torque. It means changing up barely impedes progress, yet the relatively few revs see the unit sipping rather than gulping diesel.

The TDCi’s impressive low-end torque makes for very relaxed progress and suits the grown-up feel of the brand new Fiesta. And while the ride isn’t quite as refined as that of the standard model – thanks to the combination of those slightly stiffer springs and new tyres – the difference is negligible.

Meanwhile, because the engine management set-up has been recalibrated for optimum efficiency rather than performance, occasionally the diesel powerplant is not as smooth as you might expect.

The better news is that the slightly lower stance doesn’t detract from the Fiesta’s ability in corners – which is somewhat ironic given that this car isn’t supposed to be about having fun behind the wheel. Instead, the improvements have been geared solely towards saving money – and on that score, Ford’s engineers have been universally successful.

This Fiesta emits 98g/km of carbon dioxide, meaning that owners will pay the Chancellor precisely nothing in road tax. The ECOnetic also averages 76.3mpg, with Ford claiming 88.3mpg for the extra urban cycle. And as it’s £650 cheaper than a regular 1.6 TDCi three-door, running a planet-friendly car has never needed so small a sacrifice.