Special version of the new Fiesta: 62.5 mpg (U.S.)

[HoosierRon]

Brit show debut for green Fiesta

The greenest Fiesta ever is nearly here! Ford is getting set to unleash an ECOnetic version of its all-new supermini. And it’s going to be one of the stars of the blue oval’s stand at this month’s British Motor Show, boasting economy of nearly 80mpg and emitting less than 100g/km of CO2.
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Power comes from a 1.6-litre TDCi turbodiesel, available with 89bhp. Unlike VW’s Bluemotion range, no changes are made to the engine’s ECU, but thanks to a lengthened final drive the five-speed manual gearbox’s ratios are longer than those in the standard model.

Small but significant tweaks to the car’s aerodynamics allow it to slip through the air with less drag. This makes easier work for the engine.
...
Thanks to a programme of weight-saving measures, the standard next-generation Fiesta will tip the scales at less than the outgoing model, and the ECOnetic version will take this a step further using lightweight materials. Engineers are likely to lower the suspension, too, while narrow tyres will help reduce rolling resistance. The Fiesta ECOnetic decreases friction further by using a low-viscosity gearbox oil, developed in partnership with BP.

Together with a diesel particulate filter fitted as standard, the Fiesta ECOnetic emits only 98g/km of CO2. That puts it in band A – making it exempt from road tax.

And under the current system, it will sidestep the London congestion charge, too. It will also save owners even more money with incredibly low fuel consumption, returning around 75mpg on the combined cycle.

However the Fiesta ECOnetic won’t skimp on equipment, with air-con, curtain airbags, a CD stereo and electric windows all fitted as standard.

lus, of course, it promises the best drive in the supermini class, with direct steering, a finely judged ride and class-leading agility in the corners.

mpg figures need to be converted from Imperial gallons to U.S. gallons for American readers. Suddenly the Cobalt XFE does not look that impressive.

[CamaroCrazy]

When Ford (or was it just Mulally?) got the idea to start offering its European lineup in the US, I hope this was in its plans. If average Americans can't swallow the thought of a diesel mass-market car, then we deserve to pay high gas prices and drive 20mpg vehicles. I would love to see the 2.9L V6 diesel make its way into the G8. Or how about a diesel Astra? Cobalt? Aveo???

[kmacleod]

I hope the 1.3L and 1.7L TDI engines for the next gen Astra will make to our shores here.

I believe the Fiesta is Corsa sized. I believe the only TDI engine offered in Europe is the 1.3L TDI unit.

Ken

[minnfang]

High MPG or not, that is a very good looking subcompact. Give me a gas powered version with 40+ MPG and GM won't have to bother to give me a Beat.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Originally Posted by CamaroCrazy

When Ford (or was it just Mulally?) got the idea to start offering its European lineup in the US, I hope this was in its plans. If average Americans can't swallow the thought of a diesel mass-market car, then we deserve to pay high gas prices and drive 20mpg vehicles. I would love to see the 2.9L V6 diesel make its way into the G8. Or how about a diesel Astra? Cobalt? Aveo???

I don't think this Ford diesel will make it. I would be surprised if it meets US EPA Tier II Bin 5 (or better) NOx emissions limits. The GM 2,9 V6 does have a risk of being sent to the US though.

[gardnet1]

That's a small engine with low emissions. It wouldn't take much to convert it US specs. 63 MPG blows the prius plum off the continent.

It would definately be on my shopping list for a commuter car with style.

Also the 20-25 MPG advantage over other cars in its class will more than make up for the extra 60 cents a gallon that diesel costs.

Also, I wouldn't be embarrassed to drive this car as I would in a prius, hundud or kia pet.

[igor]

once again 62mpg in EU tests - even if it is in US Gallons usually translates to some 40mpg in EPA testing.

that is nowhere near as impressive .... especially with current diesel prices.

Igor

[Toto]

Originally Posted by kmacleod

I hope the 1.3L and 1.7L TDI engines for the next gen Astra will make to our shores here.

I believe the Fiesta is Corsa sized. I believe the only TDI engine offered in Europe is the 1.3L TDI unit.

Ken

No, you can order the Corsa with two different 1.3 CDTI engines (75 or 90hp) and a 1.7 CDTI with 125hp.

[Toto]

Originally Posted by igor

once again 62mpg in EU tests - even if it is in US Gallons usually translates to some 40mpg in EPA testing.

that is nowhere near as impressive .... especially with current diesel prices.

Igor

a little exaggerated

- US Chevy HHR LT 2.4 AT = 20/22mpg city, 28/29mpg highway
- EU Chevy HHR LT 2.4 AT = 19.6mpg city, 32.2mpg highway

[igor]

Originally Posted by Toto

a little exaggerated

- US Chevy HHR LT 2.4 AT = 20/22mpg city, 28/29mpg highway
- EU Chevy HHR LT 2.4 AT = 19.6mpg city, 32.2mpg highway

I am not talking about the US Gallon to Imperial Gallon conversion

I am talking about the "rumored" "tested in EU Tests" mileage. For over a year VW has been touting a 59mph 2.0l TDI - they still do - their independent test shows it s gets 48mpg HWY - EPA - HOWEVER - is the official word and that word says: 30/41

That is my point - we always hear of these "amazing diesels from europe" they are to get "Prius Smoking Mileage" and whatonot .. but people ignore the vastly different mileage testing in EU US, and other parts of the world. There is yet to be a car to come after Prius to beat it on mileage - diesel, hybrid, or virgin tears ....

And this "62mpg" Fiesta will probably end up a 44mpg Fiesta - is THAT worth the $.50/gal price difference of Diesel? The regular Fiesta will have (say) 36mpg.

Igor

[Chaz_23]

That is ia nice car.
ECOnetic engine? Seriously?

[Toto]

Originally Posted by igor

I am not talking about the US Gallon to Imperial Gallon conversion

I am talking about the "rumored" "tested in EU Tests" mileage. For over a year VW has been touting a 59mph 2.0l TDI - they still do - their independent test shows it s gets 48mpg HWY - EPA - HOWEVER - is the official word and that word says: 30/41

That is my point - we always hear of these "amazing diesels from europe" they are to get "Prius Smoking Mileage" and whatonot .. but people ignore the vastly different mileage testing in EU US, and other parts of the world. There is yet to be a car to come after Prius to beat it on mileage - diesel, hybrid, or virgin tears ....

And this "62mpg" Fiesta will probably end up a 44mpg Fiesta - is THAT worth the $.50/gal price difference of Diesel? The regular Fiesta will have (say) 36mpg.

Igor

The VW Jetta 2.0TDI/140hp 6-speed DSG is rated here in Germany at 30.9mpg (US) city, and 48.9mpg (US) Highway. It looks more like a problem with VW of America.

[BigThreeForever]

My brother's 2006 Vauxhall Vectra (i.e. Epsilon 1) turbodiesel can get over 70 mpg (Imperial gallons) on a long run. He averages about 45-48 mpg in urban driving, and that is a much larger car than the Fiesta.

Diesels are a truly amazing phenomenon in the Old World. Diesel fuel is taxed even more eavily than gas in the UK (remote parts of Scotland are paying over $12 a gallon).

Even so, diesels are now half the market, with a high market share even amongst B segment vehicles. The Prius is widely seen in Europe as an overpriced and overrated novelty.

[Stéphane Dumas]

Originally Posted by Smaart Aas Saabr

I don't think this Ford diesel will make it. I would be surprised if it meets US EPA Tier II Bin 5 (or better) NOx emissions limits. The GM 2,9 V6 does have a risk of being sent to the US though.

I wonder if they could arrive for the Canadian market?

[blkwrxsti]

Originally Posted by Toto

The VW Jetta 2.0TDI/140hp 6-speed DSG is rated here in Germany at 30.9mpg (US) city, and 48.9mpg (US) Highway. It looks more like a problem with VW of America.

You're really oversimplifying the issue that Igor is pointing to, Toto:

The "problem" is that Germany's "city" schedule isn't really the same as the EPA's "city" schedule. Here are some links to back that up:

European schedule graph (ECE15 and EUDC):

http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514269543/html/x787.html

EPA schedule graphs (2008+)

http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml

The european numbers seem to be acheived using a shorter, lower speed schedule with fewer stops. I also don't know if there's a "real-world" factor added to their numbers like the EPA does...