A new variant of the latest Focus with the ECOnetic moniker and a segment leading fuel efficiency will soon be added to Ford’s European lineup. According to the company, the diesel-powered Focus ECONetic is expected to use less than 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (equal to 80 mpg UK or 67.2 mpg US) and return ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when final certification is completed later this year.

Available as a five-door hatchback or wagon, the Ford Focus ECOnetic is powered by an all-new version of the 1.6-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which delivers 105 horsepower and has a new injection system, turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.

Apart from the optimized engine, the car is fitted with Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop system, Smart Regenerative Charging, Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light. The Focus ECOnetic also features a unique aerodynamic package with an Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tires and a revised final drive ratio.

The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed Durashift manual transmission optimized to eliminate frictional losses and operating with a special low friction transmission oil. Fuel economy is further improved by the revised final drive ratio, which reduces engine speed when cruising in top gear.

Aerodynamic upgrades focus on improving the airflow beneath the car but also at the front, where the Active Grille Shutter uses vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. When no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag. When fully closed, the reduction in drag translates into 2 percent lower CO2 emissions.

Another interesting detail is that the car uses steel wheels combined with special low-drag ECOnetic wheel covers, which are more streamlined than a conventional alloy wheel design, at least according to Ford.

The new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be produced at the Saarlouis plant in Germany for the European market and will be introduced in early 2012. The car will receive its world premiere at the Amsterdam Motor Show next week.

By Dan Mihalascu

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