Ford Fiesta Econetic limbos under 4L/100km

London Motor Show 2008 Working hard to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, Ford showed off its third Econetic model at the London Motor Show this week.

Following on the heels of the Econetic versions of the Focus and Mondeo, the Ford Fiesta Econetic uses a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine that gives it a combined fuel economy, under the EU test cycle, of 3.7L/100km — in the city it's official rating is 4.6L/100km.

Along with the diesel engine, the Fiesta Econetic employs a number of tricks up its wheel well to achieve this fuel economy. Ford made aerodynamic changes to the standard Fiesta, such as adding rear air deflectors, lowering the suspensions, and putting the car on low rolling resistance tyres. The engine uses low friction oil and the driver gets a shift light, indicating when its time to upshift for optimal fuel economy. The Econetic also keeps carbon dioxide emissions low, at 98 grams per kilometre.

Going on sale later this year in Europe, the Fiesta Econetic will start at £11,845 (AU$24,700) for the three-door version.