Category: Superminis 
Price Range: £11,295 to £15,945
Frugal, low emissions, torquey engine, decent handling.
Noisy on start-up, plasticky dashboard, expensive.
You have to cover a lot of miles in the Econetic before it makes financial sense.
The Fiesta is the latest in Ford's line-up to get the 'eco' treatment. Unlike the Mondeo and Focus Econetics, it breaks the 100g/km carbon dioxide emissions barrier, meaning road-tax free motoring to go with stunning fuel economy.
To achieve this Ford recalibrated the 1.6-litre diesel engine, fitted low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic rear air deflectors, changed the final drive ratio, lowered the suspension and incorporated an optimum gear change indicator.
So, for running costs, the Fiesta Econetic makes a lot of sense. The combined fuel consumption figure of 76.3mpg is mightily impressive even though there's still a hearty 89bhp 1.6-litre diesel under the bonnet.
There is one fly in the ointment. An entry-level 1.2-litre petrol, three-door Fiesta will set you back £8,514, whereas the 1.6-litre diesel, three-door Econetic will cost you £12,445 - that's a difference of almost £4,000. It's a considerable price to pay to improve fuel efficiency by 24mpg and save £90 a year in tax.
It's not just about saving cash, of course. The Econetic is about taking your 'green' sensibilities seriously and feel secure in the knowledge that you are helping to save the planet. But is it just a cynical marketing ploy - or it the Econetic a real step forward for drivers who just want to do their bit?
Latest Readers' Drives About the Ford Fiesta
wrote on 22 11 2008