Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

Expert Rating:

Introduction

Simple and subtle changes have turned the Ford Fiesta from one of the best superminis in its class into one of the cleanest and leanest. Ford's tweaks help the Fiesta ECOnetic (the Blue Oval's green sub-brand for efficient models) claim sub-100g/km carbon dioxide emissions for free road tax and economy that ekes out up to 750 miles between fills.

What is it?

ECOnetic is Ford's way of saying that this is the greenest model in the range. In the case of the Fiesta ECOnetic, it comes with suspension lowered by 10mm over a standard model's, improved aerodynamics for less wind resistance, low rolling resistance tyres and a gear shift indicator to tell the driver when is best to move up a gear for maximum economy. There are also some software changes, including a reworked electronic engine brain to deliver economy before outright performance as the engine's main consideration. On top of this, there's a revised gearbox to help lower the engine's revs when it's cruising along. Otherwise the ECOnetic is just like any other Fiesta and comes in both three- and five-door guise, with the five-door adding £300 to the asking price.

How does it drive?

Given some of the fundamental changes wrought on the Fiesta ECOnetic, it continues to drive every bit as well as any other Fiesta model. It covers bump-addled roads with controlled aplomb, it clings on through corners and the steering has just the right amount of feel whether you're on a country back road or city back street. The engine is refined and the ECOnetic makes an ideal long distance cruiser thanks to fine cabin comfort and low engine noise - the latter helped by the reworked gearbox lowering engine revs compared to a standard Fiesta's at a motorway cruise. There's also little in the way of wind or road noise. Acceleration is not quite as brisk as some other models in the Fiesta range, but the ECOnetic is swift enough to stay with the ebb and flow of everyday traffic.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is certainly a planet hugger. Its 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine may not have the tiny capacity or hybrid power of some other green machines, but the changes Ford has made give it 76.3mpg combined economy and 98g/km carbon dioxide emissions. Not only is that a welcomingly low figure for environmental reasons, it also qualifies this Fiesta for free road tax and will help drastically reduce company car drivers' tax bills. Courtesy of the economy, the Fiesta ECOnetic is capable of covering more than 750 miles between fill ups, so if four people need to get from one end of the UK to the other, the Ford is about the cleanest way to travel.

Verdict

Great to drive, easy on the wallet and one of the cleanest, greenest cars available to buy today, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is a winner. It's not the cheapest green supermini and nor is it the best kitted out, but its comfort, quality and the classiness of its driving experience win out. Thoroughly recommended.

Alisdair Suttie

Friday September 25