We tested the Ford ECOnetic Fiesta 1.6L TDCi mated to a 5 speed manual transmission.

European styled economical transport.

What is Good?

Fuel economy

Sporty nature

European Styling

What is not so Good?

Little pricey

Boot space limited with all seats up

Um still thinking

Jump inside and the first thing you notice is how cosy the drivers seat is, it places you immediately at home. The dash and controls are well laid out and easy to use, and it’s relatively easy to get a good driving position.  The whole car has an open light feel about it, almost with personality and everything just seems to fit right.  

The torquey diesel motor and smooth 5 speed transmission provide a sporty feel with little diesel clatter and combined with sharp steering and handling the ECOnetic Fiesta is fun to drive. Way more fun than the micro cars. 

The 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine produces maximum power of 66 kW at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at a very accessible 1750 rpm.  

This plus features such as low rolling resistance tyres, unique 5 speed 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 and the addition of a green shift indicator light in the instrument cluster, which signals the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy all combine to produce an ADR combined fuel consumption rating of 3.7 L/100km^.  

Fuel economy is outstanding, better than most other diesels and definitely better than any hybrid on the market currently. 

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). 

Other features include air conditioning, cruise control, electric front windows, AM/FM radio, single CD with MP3 capability, 6 speakers and large display screen, Bluetooth® with Voice Control, USB port (for iPod^ integration and MP3 files on memory sticks) and a choice of funky colours to choose from.  

The Fiesta ECOnetic has European style, very comfortable inside, 5 star safety, plenty of features, drives with a surprisingly sporty nature and has economy that makes hybrids cringe.  

The 1.6L TDi works almost perfectly with the 5 speed manual transmission and is very tractable thanks to its 200Nm of torque that comes in at 1750rpm.  

The Fiesta ECOnetic is perfect for either buzzing around the city or weekend getaways, being just that little bit bigger than the micro cars, more comfortable and more economical.  

Ford should be selling bucket loads of these at around $24,990 drive away. They are that good.