Anyone who thought that green cars were out of reach clearly hasn’t heard of the Ford ECOnetic range of vehicles. Launched amid a clamour of media attention at the Frankfurt Show in 2007, these vehicles make it easier than ever for motorists to get behind the wheel of a green car.
So just what is included in the Ford ECOnetic range and how does the concept work? This guide will examine Ford’s offerings and what to look out for.

What are Ford ECOnetic cars?

Ford has already established itself among the leading manufacturers in the race to produce green cars with its Flexi-fuel range of vehicles that have increased the affordable low CO2 emitting car choices available to customers through a blend of 85 per cent bio-ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

As of the Frankfurt Show, Ford of Europe is offering its customers ultra-low CO2 alternatives that utilise the latest common-rail diesel powertrains with features specifically engineered to reduce emissions.

The Ford Focus ECOnetic model has already been made available and at the time of its launch in 2008 delivered the best-in-class CO2 emissions at a mere 115g/km.

The aim of the ECOnetic badges is to give consumers who value low emissions as a key reason to buy a vehicle, an easy reference point. 

How do Ford ECOnetic vehicles work?

According to one of Ford’s directors, the aim for the engineering team responsible for producing the Ford ECOnetic vehicles was to develop the maximum reduction in CO2 emissions using presently available technologies.

To do this, the engineers examined drive resistances and looked to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicles.

This was implemented in various ways:

• Lowering the vehicles - to reduce drag.

• Adding an aerodynamics kit.

• Using low-resistance tyres.

• Introduction of a low viscosity transmission oil.

In the case of the Ford Focus ECOnetic, the vehicle was lowered to just 10mm above the ground at the front and just 8mm above the ground at the back. The aerodynamics kit is included as standard and consists of features like a rear spoiler, a modified bumper skirt and rocker claddings. The outer areas of the lower grille were given blanking plates on the inside, which further improved the aerodynamics. When all of these features were combined with 195/65R15 tyres, a coefficient drag of just 0.31 was achieved.

This combination of improved aerodynamics, special low-friction oil in the transmission and low-resistance tyres has slashed around 12g/km off the emission levels of the conventional Ford Focus model.

Spotlight on the Ford Focus ECOnetic

As the first car to receive the ‘ECOnetic’ treatment, let’s examine the Ford Focus ECOnetic in more depth.

The Ford Focus is one of the most popular models in Europe and the concept behind the Ford Focus ECOnetic appears to be to not necessarily interfere in a market that aggressively produces low-emission vehicles but rather to make a highly prized vehicle more environmentally friendly.

One of the areas focused on during the launch of the Ford Focus ECOnetic is the engine type and the 1.6 TDCI model with 109 horsepower, has an average consumption level of 4.3litres per 100km and emits 115 grams of CO2 per km. This means that it is instantly beaten for low emission levels by several hybrid models - but the purpose of the ECOnetic range is to make conventional vehicles adopt a greener outlook. In this area it was the top of its class on its launch.

How do ECOnetic models benefit the consumer?

For drivers who are reluctant to trust hybrid or electric models but still want to do their bit for the environment, the Ford ECOnetic range provides a solution.

They look and run just like conventional vehicles. In fact, the original Ford Focus ECOnetic model features a Powershift gearbox allowing drivers to make faster gear changes but without the expense of paying for an Audi, or Mercedes which use similar technologies.

With low emission levels it is likely that the Ford ECOnetic range will be exempt from London congestion charges and drivers should also pay little or no road tax. There is the possibility of benefiting from cheaper car insurance too as more providers choose to reward green car drivers with cheap premiums.

ECOnetic motorists can also enjoy greater fuel efficiency and therefore lower their typical driving expenses.

Of course, as the Ford ECOnetic models still use diesel as the fuel source, they still emit a variety of particulates and are not as green as other models on the market - particularly hybrid cars.

What is available in the Ford ECOnetic range?

Ford already offers the Ford Focus ECOnetic and the Ford Mondeo ECOnetic with the Ford Fiesta Verve ECOnetic also launched in 2008.

The Ford Mondeo ECOnetic’s target was to produce emissions below 140g/km. The measures used to achieve this target include a diesel particulate filter, engine re-calibration, low rolling resistance tyres, lowered suspension and aerodynamic improvements.

The Ford Verve ECOnetic meets the demand for a smaller car that produces low CO2 emissions - below 99g/km. It will be implemented into the new Ford Fiesta design from November 2008 and boasts muscular Focus like wheel arches and a dynamic shape. Not only is this car focused on cutting environmental emissions but it is also Ford’s attempt to wrestle away the stranglehold the Vauxhall Corsa has held on the supermini market.

Three models were unveiled as part of the Ford Verve concept range including a three-door concept, a four-door hatchback and a third and final concept with a panoramic glass roof, pillarless side windows and an extra chrome trim.

No matter which Ford ECOnetic model you are interested in, it’s clear that the manufacturer has greatly expanded its range and made some of the most popular models on the market accessible to drivers with a green conscience.