The new Fiesta Van ECOnetic goes on sale in Britain later this year as Ford looks to extend its green credentials from cars to vans. The new Fiesta Van ECOnetic features lowered suspension, low rolling resistance tyres and a specially calibrated Duratorq 1.6-litre TDCi that will emit only 98g/km CO2.
Made at Ford’s wind-powered engine plant at Dagenham, Essex, the 90PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter, produces 10 per cent less CO2 than the mainstream TDCi and is matched to a special aerodynamic profile that results in just 98g/km CO2 and a Combined 76.4mpg.
Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: “Many operators are prepared to be green – but still want comfort, performance and an affordable price. The low running costs of this ECOnetic van are bound to make more people consider the ‘green’ option. It’s a great package. We are also announcing a Transit ECOnetic today for operators to see that Ford is serious about sustainability and developing their favourite van range in a way that supports their business.”
Compared with the previous-generation 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, Fiesta Van ECOnetic will use 35 gallons less fuel over 12,428 miles – offering genuine savings in daily driving. Extra-urban highway fuel economy is even better – Fiesta Van ECOnetic achieves 88.3 mpg. To achieve this result, further improvements have been made to aerodynamics: lowered ride height and details such as low-drag wheel deflectors build on Fiesta’s already streamlined drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.33.
At the same time, low rolling resistance tyres in an economical 175/65 R14 profile and a longer final drive gear ratio contribute to efficient powertrain performance, especially in highway cruising.
