With a combined fuel consumption rating of just 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres, the fuel efficiency of Fiesta ECOnetic surpasses all other vehicles currently on sale in Australia, including petrol/electric hybrid models.

"Ford is fully committed to working towards fuel economy leadership in every segment in which we compete, across local and imported vehicles," said Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela.

Fiesta ECOnetic will officially go on sale on December 1 with a recommended offer price of $24,990 driveaway, offering consumers one of the most affordable and fuel efficient vehicle packages ever presented for sale in Australia.

"It brings together a whole range of clever thinking and technologies that are available right now, creating a 'greener' vehicle that delivers economy without compromise and genuine savings against the fuel cost of daily driving."

Using a combination of the latest generation common rail diesel powertrain, together with a carefully selected list of features specifically engineered to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a combined fuel consumption rating of 3.7 L/100km¹.

The detailed urban/extra urban results for Fiesta ECOnetic are also class- and industry-leading achievements, with urban cycle fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km¹ and an extra urban (highway) cycle figure of just 3.2 L/100km¹ – the latter being 13.5 per cent more efficient than the leading hybrid model.

This efficiency is matched by impressive driving quality and performance, with the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine producing maximum power of 66 kW at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at a very accessible 1750 rpm.

"The challenge for our engineering team in developing the ECOnetic vehicle line was to deliver the maximum reduction in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions using available and affordable technologies," Mr Burela said.

This reduction in fuel usage and CO₂ emissions has been achieved through the use of:

• A specially-calibrated Duratorq 1.6-litre TDCi common rail diesel engine with coated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

• Low rolling resistance tyres

• Unique transmission and final drive ratios

• Improved aerodynamics – lowered ride height, air deflectors, unique wheel covers

• Weight reduction through the provision of a tyre mobility kit in lieu of a traditional spare wheel/tyre

• Addition of a green shift indicator light in the instrument cluster, which signals the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy

In addition to its industry-leading fuel efficiency, Fiesta ECOnetic also offers a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, culminating in a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP.

Driver and front passenger airbags, head and thorax front side airbags, and a driver's knee airbag are all fitted as standard equipment, along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

"In addition to its full complement of safety equipment, comfort and convenience features, Fiesta ECOnetic will provide the next step up for customers who prioritise fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emission performance when it comes to choosing a new vehicle," Mr Burela said.