Ford of Europe Unveils 63.6 MPG Diesel Fiesta; No Plans to Export It to U.S.
Ford of Europe's most frugal car ever - the 2009 diesel-powered Fiesta ECOnetic - made its world premiere at the British auto show on Tuesday, but don't expect to see one in the U.S. anytime soon.
Powered by a specially-calibrated version of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder TDCi turbo-diesel engine, Ford's most economical Fiesta can travel 63.6 miles per U.S. gallon on the European Commission's combined test cycle.
That said, EC fuel-economy estimates tend to be slightly higher than those the U.S. government attaches to vehicles sold in America. That's because, unlike U.S. mileage testing, the fuel-economy tests for cars sold in Europe contain a minimum of acceleration and therefore differ significantly from normal driving conditions.
Still, the fuel economy is impressive and it's matched with a class-leading carbon-dioxide output of 98 grams per kilometer, making the Fiesta ECOnetic the lowest carbon vehicle in both its segment and Ford's European range.
The ECOnetic version features improved aerodynamics, low-rolling-resistance tires, lowered ride height, wheel covers and wheel deflectors, a longer final drive gear ratio, and low-viscosity transmission and low-friction engine oils.
A shift-indicator light on the instrument panel helps to optimize shift patterns.
The Fiesta ECOnetic will be on sale across Europe later this year and completes an initial trilogy of models in the company's European vehicle range that also includes a 139-grams-per-kilometer Ford Mondeo ECOnetic and a 115-grams-per-kilometer Ford Focus ECOnetic.
The Fiesta ECOnetic will be priced from $23,600.
Scott Doggett, Contributor
- Posted by
- Scott Doggett July 23, 2008, 10:04 AM
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- Categories:
- Diesel, Emissions, Ford, Fuel Economy
Why not bring this car to the U.S.? Cars like this are just what we need right now!
"Why not bring this car to the U.S.? Cars like this are just what we need right now!"
They can't. It won't pass emissions requirements. It won't pass safety requirements. It won't get 63mpg in EPA testing.
Ford has announced they will sell the Fiesta GAS burner here, so they can meet safety - but on emissions - why does VW, Jeep, Mercedes, and soon Honda, Subaru, Nissan, and other all meet Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions here... so why can't Ford ?
Ford has it's collective head buried so far up... in the sand... they can't even take product out of their backyard (EU) and move it to the front (USA)
$2 billion in losses? No surprise.
sorry, that was $8+billion in losses!
thearb, those are some good questions. I suspect the US versions of the Fiesta will be modified to fit US safety requirements. That will affect MPG. The specific diesel in that car won't meet US emissions. Ford could make one that would, but I suspect it's cost prohibitive and of limited benefit with the higher diesel prices.
I guess my saying "they can't" was the wrong term to use. They can, but it would be expensive and the mpg wouldn't touch what the article implies.