Ford Focus Econetic first official pictures

[fordfocuselectric]

In Ford's continuing effort to create more fuel efficient and eco-friendly vehicles, they've released information on a Ford Focus variant called the Econetic.

Sadly, this diesel version of the Ford Focus will only be available in Europe - North America will have to be happy with the Ford Focus Electric instead.

The Focus Econetic has automatic engine stop-start, smart regenerative battery charging, electric power steering, selectable Eco mode and optimal shift indicator messages on the dashboard. All of these things combined with an efficient diesel engine get the car an estimated 80 MPG!! Of course, we're all thinking we'll believe it when we see it, but a car like this could really make a dent in the Ford Focus Electric Vehicle sales - perhaps that's partly why Ford is keeping it to the European market where there are other fuel efficient cars that Ford needs to compete with.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/S...-Focus-Econetic-2012-first-official-pictures/

 

[sjfotos]

Ford, with some justification, does not believe that Americans will buy diesel cars in sufficient quantity. They also have a nifty Ford Ranger diesel that they will not be selling in the US.

 

[jenny1386]

By introducing eco friendly car like FORD Focus,Ford had taken one step towards go green concept.It's design and interior is superb with best fuel efficiency.

 

[redEV]

efficient diesel engine get the car an estimated 80 MPG!! Of course, we're all thinking we'll believe it when we see it, but a car like this could really make a dent in the Ford Focus Electric Vehicle sales - perhaps that's partly why Ford is keeping it to the European market where there are other fuel efficient cars that Ford needs to compete with.

Keep in mind that the MPG quote is in imperial gallons (20% larger than U.S. equivalent) as well as this is on the British driving cycle test, not the EPA test -- the U.S. equivalent (according to a video review done on AutoWeek.com) is more like high 40's to low 50's --- still quite good but not 80 MPG!


http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110406/VIDEONEWS/110409931

Looks like same stock photos used ... notice what appears to be steel wheels and flush wheel covers, wheel covers reminds me a bit of the one's used on the Honda Civic Hybrid

 

[fordfocuselectric]

Very true, thanks for pointing that out (the uk vs us gallon sizes)... even a 20$ decrease in mileage would still put the Econetic at 64MPG.

Is the UK driving cycle that much different than the EPA version? Perhaps a higher ratio of busy city driving to highway driving, and since the Ford Focus Econetic has the auto shut off system it makes the mileage that much higher?