In the file marked “Americans Don’t Want Diesels”, Ford’s pulled curtain on a new 2010 Ford Focus Econetic diesel model that gets 74.2 mpg. Using a number of new technologies, the Euro only model is nearly pollution free too, with an ultra low CO2 emissions as well.
Part of that 74.2 mpg rating is an optional auto-start-stop system. Standard is a “smart regenerative charging” system and a low tension engine accessory drive. These technologies combine to deliver lower emissions and better fuel efficiency and pave the way for future powertrains from the blue oval.
Power comes from Ford’s 109hp 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine with particulate filter. Target average CO2 emissions for the Auto-Start-Stop equipped car are as low as 99g/km, with a combined fuel economy of 74.2mpg and 104g/km for the standard Focus ECOnetic.
The new Focus ECOnetic is also the first vehicle to feature the new Ford Eco Mode system as standard. An all-new driver information system, Ford Eco Mode helps to educate the driver to achieve improved real-world fuel economy – thus benefitting the customer’s pocket as well as the environment.
“To achieve these impressive figures, we combined the proven approach of the original Focus ECOnetic model with even more detail improvements and all-new technologies,” said Dr. Thilo Seibert, Manager CO2 Technologies for Ford of Europe. “The new Focus ECOnetic is particularly significant as it paves the way for some of these technologies to be implemented into our core vehicle series in the near future.”
The Ford Auto-Start-Stop system automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle – at a traffic light, for example – and restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off, saving the fuel wasted while the vehicle is stationary.
The system can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to five per cent in mixed driving conditions. In an urban environment and in heavy traffic with frequent stops the savings could increase to as much as 10 per cent.
The new Focus ECOnetic also uses advanced technologies to ensure that the battery is kept charged in the most efficient way. A Smart Regenerative Charging system increases the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates. This converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy without having to use additional fuel.
The ‘free’ electric current is used to recharge the battery, so that it can be used by the electrical systems at a later stage. This could be when the engine is switched off during a stop-phase, but can also be when the generator is operating in a less efficient mode.
The new Euro Ford Focus will go on sale here in the United States for the 2011 model year, but as of this time we will not be getting this high mileage, super efficient diesel EcoNetic model. After all, American auto companies know that we just aren’t interested in a car that gets 74.2 mpg here in the States.
