The Fiesta ECOnetic takes what was already a very accomplished car, the petrol-powered Fiesta, and adds more torque while increasing fuel efficiency. This torque boost improves the car's drivability and willingness to accelerate.
To put it simply, the ECOnetic is a very smooth and satisfying car to drive. Though we were supposed to be embarking on an 'eco drive' during the vehicle's launch in Canberra (the winner scored an organic hamper) I decided to flex the car's muscles and was impressed with the spritely response to right foot manipulations.
Tipping the scales at 1088kg, the Fiesta's 200Nm of torque is enough to spin the front wheels, should you need to do so, whether to prove a point or just move off in haste. And even though the Fiesta ECOnetic is a manual-gearbox-only proposition, things like a light clutch, a sweet gear shift and a clever stall-prevention system make it a doddle to drive.
It even features an 'optimum shift light' to show you the best possible shift time to achieve low fuel consumption.
Ford's German made light car accelerates smoothly and strongly thanks to its torquey bottom end, generating almost as much torque as the high performance Honda Civic Type R; it has a flat torque curve which results in strong response across a wide rev range.
Indeed, the engine has the kind of flexibility to get you going in any gear. Even if you panic and mash the accelerator pedal in the wrong gear, the engine will bog down momentarily before regaining composure and pulling through.
Despite sitting lower to the ground than other Fiesta models, the Blue Oval's green machine exhibits good ride quality, evidenced on a number of sub-par Canberran and New South Welsh roads we crossed during the launch. The shock absorbers do their job well, but it should be said that every now and then you will be reminded of its European suspension tune via a thud coming through the wheel arches.
It tips into corners nicely and doesn't display chronic levels of body roll through tighter corners, finding a nice middle ground between the requirements of ride quality and the desire for handling dynamics.
The steering wheel is relatively light but feels good underhand. The car steers well, has a tight turning circle and is very much at home in urban traffic. That said, the cruise controls and tall fifth gear make it a good highway cruiser too.
Comfort is good, with well designed seats that offer decent lateral support and soft cushioning, and the fabric upholstery comes across as hard wearing.
At the end of the 'eco test' we recorded a 3.6L/100km figure, just under the claimed 3.7L. That was with air conditioning on the whole time, very little attention paid to the shift indicator light and no suffrage of right lane hogs.
Ultimately, that was one of the most impressive things about the car, to be able to drive it normally and still find some satisfaction in the journey -- yet still be cleaner and greener than driving a high-tech Japanese hybrid.
And that's one of the chief hooks for the Fiesta ECOnetic -- you can reduce your fuel bill and your carbon footprint, both issues that are at the top of many car buyers' checklists, without having to pedal along at the speed of lint. The Prius is a frugal car, but it lacks character -- something the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic does not.
Australia's most fuel efficient car may not be as instantly recognisable as the previous title holder, but it's far less dull to drive and to my reckoning that's a very good thing.
For full review go to http://www.carpoint.com.au/reviews/2010/small-passenger/ford/fiesta/ford-fiesta-econetic-17858
