Focus Econetic gets greener

Ford has launched its new Focus Econetic, with considerably improved Co2 emissions of 99g/km. The car, which also achieves a thrifty 74.2mpg, is the first European Ford to benefit from a raft of new eco technologies including the Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, and Ford Eco Mode.

Even without the Ford stop-start system, which was previewed on Iosis MAX Concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Focus Econetic will manage 104g/km. The outgoing Focus Econetic emits 114g/km of Co2.

Power comes from 108bhp 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine and Ford has also given the Focus a slipperier shape. The Econetic is lowered by 10mm at the front and 8mm at the rear, with blanking plates at the front, helping to achieve a cd of 0.31. The car also gets the latest generation Michelin Energy Saver 195/65R15 tyres to lower rolling resistance.

"To achieve these impressive figures, we combined the proven approach of the original Focus Econetic model with even more detail improvements and all-new technologies," said Dr Thilo Seibert, Manager CO2 Technologies for Ford of Europe. "The new Focus Econetic is particularly significant as it paves the way for some of these technologies to be implemented into our core vehicle series in the near future."

Ford Eco Mode is a new software that monitors an individual’s driving style and gear shifts, and generates a scoring system and advice to help save fuel.

"Ford Eco Mode really helps you to become an eco-driver," Dr Seibert added. "We have been amazed by the positive feedback on the system by customers in early tests. Customers have told us that they actively enjoyed exploring a new and very contemporary discipline: saving fuel."

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