We're fully aware that Ford will be bringing the 62mpg, 98g/km CO₂ Fiesta Econetic to the British Motor Show. What was less noticeable was just how much faith Ford is putting into how this fuel-efficient little ride and the others in the Econetic lineup. As the release pasted after the jump makes clear, Econetic models and other eco-friendly rides are responsible for a 38 percent sales "surge" in the UK, and Ford says the upcoming Fiesta Econetic will - it is hoped - continue this success. Any good sales data much we music to the ears of Ford execs these days. You will find more details from Ford after the jump. For people who want a little more racing style with their Fiesta, Ford will also be bringing the Zetec S Red to the UK in a limited edition.


[Source: Ford]

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Soon after the new Ford Fiesta launches in Eurpe in July, a version "with 99 grams per kilometer CO₂ will come very quickly," Ford of Europe Chairman Lewis Booth has told Automotive News Europe. This is the EcoNetic version of the Fiesta, which was announced at the Geneva Motor Show, and would essentially have "conventional technology" underhood, Booth said. By using options like low rolling resistance tires, different gear ratios and aerodynamic tweaks, a sub-100 g/km CO₂ version is possible.

The Fiesta is Ford's global small car, so the low-emissions option should be welcomed no matter where you live. In the U.S., Ford says the American Fiesta will be well-equipped and profitable right from the get-go. BusinessWeek is reporting today that the Fiesta might also soon makes its way to India.


[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Click the Fiesta for a high-res gallery

We got our first look at the production version of the 2009 Ford Fiesta a couple of weeks ago and most of you were overwhelmingly positive about it. The new Fiesta is coming to America in at least four-door sedan and very likely hatchback form as well. Last fall in Frankfurt, Ford announced that they would create ecoNetic low CO₂ versions of most of their cars starting with the Focus. As Ford shows the Fiesta publicly in Geneva this week, they are expected to announce an ecoNetic version as well. Ford hasn't announced details yet other than that the ecoNetic model will get CO₂ emissions below 100g/km and it would have only a small price premium over the standard model. It will almost certainly use a small diesel engine combined with low rolling resistance tires, low friction transmission fluid, different gear ratios and some aerodynamic tweaks to get those low numbers.


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]