FORD's frugal Fiesta, the Econetic, delivers what it promises.
This 1.6-litre diesel runabout boasts an official combined fuel consumption of a miserly 3.7 litres/km.
- IN A WORD
- Make: Ford
- Model: Econetic
- Price: $24,990
- Road test: JOHN PARRY
And that's exactly what it did from suburban Doncaster to Southbank at 7am in morning traffic.
All done with no special driving techniques.
This makes it the most frugal vehicle on sale in Australia and more fuel efficient than the hybrid Toyota Pruis.
It shows just what can be done with a small torquey engine in a light body.
The catch is that it is available only in manual transmission.
At a drive-away $24,990, the Econetic is about half the price of the larger Prius.
Getting the best out of the engine requires a slight change in driving style.
A shift arrow tells the driver when to shift up and invariably this is at lower revs than expected.
Obeying the arrow has the engine plugging away from very low revs, even on hills.
At times, this generates a rumbling in the driveline as if the engine is labouring, but it's not.
The challenge then is to shift up before the arrow and try and beat the official fuel figure.
Ignoring the arrow and using more of the engine's potential blows fuel use around town out to 4.5l/100km, which is still thrifty by any measure.
The engine produces 66kW at 4000rpm, a healthy 200Nm of torque from 1750rpm and drives through a five-speed manual transmission and a taller final drive than the petrol Fiesta.
Other fuel-saving features include low rolling resistance tyres, a lower ride height, special air deflectors, low-drag wheel covers and a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel and tyre.
Standard features include a five-star safety rating, seven airbags, stability control, traction control and emergency brake assist.
On the move the Econetic is solid, composed, fun to drive and quiet for its class. Handling is nimble, well-balanced with excellent grip and very little body roll.
The brakes are strong and confident and the steering quick and talkative.
The manual gear shift is slick and quick and the clutch progressive.
Although not as versatile as some of its boxy rivals, the interior is spacious, classy and well laid-out with plenty of storage for oddments.
Front seats are firm and well padded with ample adjustment, including height adjustment, for the driver.
Standard features include a five-star safety rating, seven airbags, stability control, traction control and emergency brake assist.
