Review of the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

No other small car can match Ford's Fiesta ECOnetic when it comes to green credentials and low running costs. The headline figures are a CO2 showing of just 98g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 76.3mpg. It's all enough to make a mockery of some other makers' 'eco' model efforts.

Ford may not have been first on the eco motoring bandwagon but they're certainly pushing it forward now. This Fiesta ECOnetic represents the summit of their achievements in this respect, the company already having delivered on its promise to bring us a sub-140 g/km Ford Mondeo and a sub-120 g/km Ford Focus. Now, we've a sub-100 g/km Ford Fiesta. These models are designed to provide a compelling choice for consumers who are increasingly concerned about CO2 emissions.

One of the key reasons behind this Fiesta's outstanding fuel economy actually lies in the fitment of a feature you'll find on all current Fiestas, Ford's clever electric power steering system, EPAS. Going this route was one the engineers were loath to take: many previous electric systems after all, had a reputation for giving back all the driver feel of a PlayStation and it was important that this car retained its reputation as the enthusiast's choice in the supermini class.

Ford though, were confident that they could do better - and in any case they needed to. Achieving the sub-100g/km target set for variants like the ECOnetic would require the kind of fuel-saving assistance offered by the electric steering concept. Moreover, it was clear from customer feedback that the heavy steering feel of the old Fiesta's traditional hydraulic power-assist system when parking and around town could not be repeated.

The EPAS system delivers its fuel savings by operating only when steering assistance is required and deactivating when not, thereby reducing the power it consumes from the engine and the fuel it requires. This compares favourably to a traditional hydraulic pump, which operates continuously once the car's ignition is engaged. As for steering feel, well 50,000kms of development road work went into making sure that the set-up offered a new standard for steering systems of this type. The result on the move isn't perfect but it will satisfy most potential buyers, who'll like the direct feel, the way the system copes with road camber changes and the tighter 10.2 metre turning circle.

"The Fiesta ECOnetic sets a new standard for small car running costs."

So how exactly has Ford been able to steal such a march on rivals, nearly all of whom claim to be able to sell us 'green' versions of their small cars? Probably, the short answer is that the Blue Oval has made a bit more of an effort. Other makers do little more than fit a set of skinny tyres and throw in some low viscosity oil to create their 'eco' models. Ford go a little further.

There's a lower ride height for example, the Fiesta ECOnetic borrowing the sporty Zetec S model's lower suspension, which improves aerodynamic efficiency. There are aerodynamic improvements too with wheel deflectors and aerodynamic wheel covers. The EPAS fuel saving power steering system plays its part. And of course there are the inevitable fuel-saving low-rolling-resistance tyres in economical 175/65R14 profile

Otherwise, it's the usual seventh generation Fiesta package. The trendy 'kinetic' styling creates a dynamic look, even when the car's stationary. That's not a recipe for class-leading interior space - and so it proves - but what's on offer should be quite adequate for most. There's reasonable, if not outstanding, stowage space, the boot capable of swallowing 295 litres (or 979 litres with the seats folded) and ingenious storage areas abound throughout the cabin, including charging points for mobile 'phones and MP3 players.

Ford is still dipping its toe in the water with the whole ECOnetic thing, so doesn't offer a wide range of trim choices. Basically, there's one engine, one spec and the choice of either three or five doors - that's it. In case you're wondering about the premium for an ECOnetic model over a standard 1.6 TDCi Fiesta, the ECOnetic model is actually the cheapest way into this engine (with a normal Zetec 1.6 TDCi costing a few hundred more).

As you'd expect for around £14,000, equipment-wise, all the basics are there. That means ABS, power steering, electric windows, an immobiliser, front, side and knee airbags, a CD player, central locking and electric mirrors. There are nice touches too: we particularly liked the EasyFuel cap-less refuelling.

The ECOnetic Fiesta comes only with one engine choice. You won't be shocked to learn that it's a diesel but you might be surprised to find that it's the more powerful of the two units that Ford offers with this car. Under the bonnet lies a specially calibrated version of the 1.6-litre, 89bhp Duratorq TDCi engine featuring a complicated longer final-drive-ratio that I won't trouble you with. What's more important is that's achievable at the pumps. Not only that headline-grabbing 76.mpg combined fuel economy figure but also a highly impressive 61.4mpg fuel figure around town and an astonishing 88.3mpg on the open road.

As for that 98g/km CO2 emissions figure, well it's worth repeating, 10% better than the already impressive emissions level of the mainstream Duratorq TDCi Fiesta engine range. For reference, an ordinary Fiesta 1.6 TDCi manages 110g/km and a combined fuel figure of 67.3mpg. A no-maintenance, coated Diesel Particulate Filter (c-DPF) is fitted, designed to regenerate automatically during normal driving conditions. We've heard stories in other cars of DPFs clogging up during prolonged urban use, so bear that in mind if you're not able to blow the cobwebs out on a dual carriageway every so often.

The Fiesta ECOnetic sets a new standard for small car running costs, it's as simple as that. It's astonishing that such a relatively simple package of improvements can have such a profound overall effect. With the new standard set, it'll be interesting to see how long it takes the opposition to catch up.