MIMS: Ford's frugal future

Falcon and Territory took a back seat to a European specification Fiesta ECOnetic that signals the company's push for a leaner, greener future. The car will go on sale in Australia later this year and is expected to be the first of several ECOnetic Ford offerings in the coming years.

Ford Australia President Marin Burela has high hopes for the Fiesta and has placed big expectations on the little car's economy and emissions credentials.

"The Fiesta ECOnetic will be added to our Fiesta model line-up towards the end of 2009 and promises to be one of the most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 emitting vehicles ever offered for sale in Australia," Burela says.

"With the ECOnetic brand, you don't have to sacrifice style or performance to drive an environmentally advanced vehicle -- Fiesta ECOnetic is great to look at, just as good to drive and affordable too.

"Fiesta ECOnetic's reduced CO2 emissions come hand in hand with improved fuel efficiency, which means you could reduce your environmental footprint and save money on fuel costs."

Powered by a 1.6-litre diesel Ford claims the Fiesta ECOnetic is capable of achieving fuel consumption as low as 3.7L/100km and CO2 emissions of 98g/km. Ford achieves those figures through the use of low friction transmission and engine oils, lower drive resistance and improved aerodynamics.

"If the European-spec Fiesta ECOnetic was available for sale in Australia today, it would rank as the most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 emitting-vehicle across the entire local new car market, including hybrid models," Burela says.

In Europe Ford is already offering Focus and Mondeo versions of the car and Burela hasn't ruled out introducing them locally in the future if the Fiesta is successful.

"We are continually evaluating our vehicle line-up and looking at ways to develop it further, so we are excited to be able to offer show-goers a unique opportunity to preview the Fiesta ECOnetic ahead of its arrival later this year," he says.

"Its introduction to the local Ford line-up will provide a genuine alternative to those customers who prioritise low CO2 emission performance when it comes to choosing a new vehicle.

"It will also enable us to gauge consumer reaction to the broader ECOnetic philosophy, with respect to other fuel efficient, low CO2 emission models that may be considered for the Australian market."

In addition to the Fiesta ECOnetic Ford also introduced the new Mondeo wagon, confirming the car for local sale 12 months after first showing off the load-lugger at last year's Show to gauge market reaction.

The Zetec wagon is powered by a 118kW 2.3-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, Sony sound system, automatic headlights, automatic wipers and leather steering wheel.

Full specifications and pricing will be unveiled closer to the car's official launch.

Ford also gave the facelifted Territory its public debut, as well as the new look Focus LV Series and the PK Ranger.

Also read our 2009 Melbourne motor show overview