2012 Ford Fiesta Econetic review

• Updated Ford Fiesta Econetic driven
• Now averages 85.6mpg and 87g/km of CO2
• On sale now, priced from £14,445

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This is the revised Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Econetic, which averages 85.6mpg and emits just 87g/km of CO2.

The figures are an improvement on the previous version's 78.5mpg and 95g/km, so the car is still exempt from road tax, but now offers even lower fuel bills.

A host of new efficiency measures help it achieve these figures, including an engine stop-start system, revised gear ratios and regenerative braking technology.

Ford has also improved the air-conditioning, cooling fan and alternator efficiency, while a new Eco mode assesses your driving style and offers efficiency tips.

There aren’t any cosmetic or trim changes.

What’s the 2012 Ford Fiesta Econetic like to drive?
The 1.6-litre diesel engine isn’t the last word in refinement from cold. Considering its green credentials and Ford's attempts to make the gearing even more eco-friendly, however, it's impressively uncompromised and flexible.

There’s more than enough power, whether you're nipping in and out of traffic around town or cruising on the motorway.

Similarly, the ride is good, despite the Econetic's lowered ride height (chosen for maximum efficiency), and road noise is kept to a minimum.

The real highlight remains the Fiesta’s handling, though. The car feels incredibly agile and the steering is perfectly weighted.

What’s the 2012 Ford Fiesta Econetic like inside?
All of the changes are technical, so the interior is unchanged.

The shiny black Sony stereo fitted as standard to our Titanium-trimmed test car gave it a welcome boost, although the cabin looks pretty sharp in cars without it, thanks to the mobile phone-inspired dashboard and edgy styling.

A soft-touch covering makes the dash pretty tactile, too, even if some of the plastics lower down feel cheap.

The Fiesta isn't as good as some rivals on space and versatility, but there's enough room for four tall adults and a good-sized boot.

The driving position is spot-on, too, and there's plenty of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel to help you find the sweet spot.

Should I buy one?
The Fiesta Econetic manages to be extremely frugal, yet brilliant fun to drive. It still costs you nothing in road tax each year and it remains in the 13% tax band – the lowest for diesels.

On the downside, the most basic Edge-spec Econetic three-door now costs £14,445, which is £550 more than the previous entry-level model.

Choose a five-door Titanium car and that price rises to £16,795, before you add any options.

The Econetic isn’t cheap, then, but neither are competitors such as the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion. In fact, the Fiesta's starting price is £550 lower.

Factor in the superb handling and solid refinement, and the Econetic is an excellent choice.

Read the Ford Fiesta review for parents at Mumsnet Cars


Rivals:
Seat Ibiza Ecomotive
VW Polo Bluemotion

What Car? says…


Rory White