Ford has released details and pictures of the 2012 Focus Econetic, the eco-efficiency variant of the new Ford Focus range with a hybrid-beating 80mpg claimed.
Ford Focus Econetic: 80mpg and 95g/km
Ford makes some impressive promises about the efficiency of the new Focus Econetic. The car has yet to be officially homolgated, but Ford has announced it expects 80mpg, and a hybrid-harassing 95g/km from the Focus Econetic’s Duratorq TDCI direct-injection turbodiesel engine.
Handy improvements over the just-released 109g/km and 67mpg Focus TDCI. The Econetic-spec engine will feature a new injection system, turbocharger, charge air cooling and friction reduction over the existing diesel powerplant. The 1.6-litre engine will put out 104bhp in Econetic tune, and be coupled to an updated version of the six-speed Durashift dual-clutch transmission.
The Focus Econetic looks pretty bland from the outside…
It’s a standard-looking five-door hatchback in the pictures, although you’ll also be able to get an Econetic estate. Ford has massaged the aerodynamics of the Econetic, fitting low-drag (and low-thrills) wheel covers, underbody shielding and air deflectors.
There’s an Active Grille Shutter system which can alter the air intake aperture for greater efficiency, closing un-needed cooling area when possible to reduce drag.
Any other eco-tech on the Focus Econetic?
Automatic engine stop-start, smart regenerative battery charging, electric power steering, selectable Eco mode and optimal shift indicator messages on the dashboard.
Introduction of the new Focus Econetic is scheduled for ‘early 2012’.