Ford has said the new Focus ECOnetic, set to make its debut next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show, will establish a new industry benchmark for fuel efficiency in the popular compact class.
The Focus ECOnetic, which will go on sale in the UK early next year, is said to use a host of advanced technologies expected to make it more fuel efficient than any other compact vehicle on the road today in Europe, including diesel, petrol and hybrid powered vehicles.
Available in five-door and estate bodystyles, the Focus ECOnetic is expected to achieve 80mpg on the combined cycle (less than 3.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres). In addition, Focus EConetic is expected to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when certification is completed later this year.
“The Focus ECOnetic is a testament to our company’s relentless drive for technological innovation and commitment to environmental leadership," said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s global medium car line director. "It’s also going to be a great car to drive."
To achieve its fuel economy figures, the new Focus ECOnetic employs the latest low-CO2 technologies in its powertrain, aerodynamics and driver information systems.
The vehicle is powered by a new 105PS version of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel which has been optimised for enhanced fuel efficiency, with a new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.
The Focus ECOnetic also benefits a number of additional low-CO2 features which have been developed specifically for this model including a unique aerodynamic package with an Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres and a revised final drive ratio.
It incorporates the full range of technologies shared with other models in the Focus line-up, including Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light.
The common-rail fuel injection system of the diesel engine has been completely redesigned, with eight-hole nano sac injectors operating at injection pressures of up to 1,600 bar, controlled by a more powerful engine management system. The new injection system delivers more precise control and increased combustion efficiency.
The 1.6-litre ECOnetic diesel is paired with Ford’s six-speed Durashift manual transmission. This transmission is a totally new high-efficiency design which has been optimised to eliminate frictional losses, and utilises special low friction transmission oil.
A revised final drive ratio has been selected to raise the overall gearing, reducing engine speed and offering improved fuel economy when cruising in top gear. Economy is further enhanced by fitting the latest-generation dedicated low rolling resistance tyres.
