Ford is to become the first major manufacturer to launch a bioethanol-powered car in the UK when deliveries of the Focus FFV begin in early 2006. The first FFV is currently being tested in Somerset, where locally-grown wheat is being used to produce the bioethanol fuel that powers its 1.8-litre engine.
The FFV produces 70 per cent less carbon dioxide than its petrol equivalent, and develops 123bhp. The car runs either on E85 bioethanol fuel, which is a mix of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, or on petrol. Initially the Focus FFV will be available only as a fleet purchase, priced at £14,095, although it may become available to private buyers if bioethanol fuel becomes more readily accessible.
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