Ford claims that its Focus ECOnetic will be more fuel efficient than any other compact vehicle on European roads today, including hybrids, when it goes on sale in the UK in early 2012. It is expected to get 67 mpg (3.5 liters/100 km) on the European Fuel Economy Directive cycle. The Focus ECOnetic is also expected to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95 grams/km. It will be available in either five-door or station wagon versions.
The Focus ECOnetic is powered by a new 104 horsepower version of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel optimized for fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi already on sale gets 56 mpg and emits 109 grams/km of CO2. The ECOnetic diesel is mated with Ford's six-speed Durashift manual transmission, a totally new high-efficiency design with reduced friction losses that also uses a special low friction transmission fluid. A higher final drive ratio reduces engine speed and offers better fuel economy when cruising in high gear.
The diesel's common-rail fuel injection system has been redesigned for more precise control and increased combustion efficiency. An enhanced charge air cooling system, with a water-cooled intercooler replacing the standard air-to-air system, delivers a cooler, denser air charge. Other features that help achieve better fuel economy include a new variable geometry turbocharger, low-friction piston ring coatings, variable flow oil pump, low inertia vacuum pump, asymmetric crank sprocket design, and low friction engine oil. The updated emissions system combines a diesel NOx-reducing catalyst with a coated diesel particulate filter system.
Other advanced technologies are at work. The Focus ECOnetic is really a mild hybrid with Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging. Indeed, these features are already available on all the new Focus models and include Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light driver information systems. In addition, the Focus ECOnetic uses electric power assisted steering, low tension front end accessory drive, and a thermal management systems to optimize warm-up.
Improved aerodynamics also help increase fuel economy. The all-new Focus already has low drag, with the five-door offering a drag coefficient of 0.295. The ECOnetic model has many additional features to further reduce drag,
For example, the standard active grille shutter with vents that controls airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment can reduce CO2 emissions by two percent. If engine cooling air is required, the vents are opened, and if no airflow is needed the vents are shut to significantly reducing drag. Much work was done to smooth airflow beneath the vehicle as well. Ultra-low rolling resistance tires are also mounted on wheels with low-drag wheel covers.
