| New model on sale | UK market | 2008 Ford Focus ECOnetic |
The Ford Focus ECOnetic looks pretty much like any other model in the hatchback range, but this one manages 65.6mpg and produces just 114g/km of carbon dioxide. That is good enough to put the diesel-powered Focus on an equal footing with the Toyota Prius.
Ford has achieved the Focus ECOnetic's emissions and economy by lowering the car by 10mm at the front and 8mm at the rear to improve aerodynamics. There's also a smoothed-out underside, new front bumper and a rear spoiler.
Other changes to the Focus ECOnetic include low rolling resistance tyres and a new engine oil developed with BP. The thinner oil creates less friction and drag in the engine so that it saps less energy as the engine spins.
The engine itself is Ford's 1.6-litre turbodiesel and is available in 89- and 108bhp versions in the ECOnetic. Both versions produce the same 65.6mpg economy, though the more powerful model's emissions are fractionally higher at 115g/km of CO2.
Ford is planning a whole range of ECOnetic models and a Mondeo model is set to arrive just after the Focus. There will also be an ECOnetic version of the new Fiesta that goes on sale in September. The Focus ECOnetic comes as a five-door hatch or estate and prices start at £16,050.
Alisdair Suttie - 23 May 2008