Ford reveals Britain's 'greenest' small van: Fiesta Van ECOnetic

Super-frugal, stylish and 'green' the new Fiesta Van ECOnetic goes on sale in Britain later this year.

The new Fiesta Van ECOnetic shows form can exist with function, offering the same Fiesta style with lowered suspension, low rolling resistance tyres and a specially calibrated Duratorq 1.6-litre TDCi for an ultra-low 98g/km CO2.

Made at Ford's wind-powered engine plant at Dagenham, Essex, the cleverly calibrated 90PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter, produces 10 per cent less CO2 than the already impressive mainstream TDCi and is matched to a special aerodynamic profile that results in just 98g/km CO2 and a Combined 76.4mpg.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "Many operators are prepared to be green - but still want comfort, performance and an affordable price. The low running costs of this ECOnetic van are bound to make more people consider the 'green' option. It's a great package.

"We are also announcing a Transit ECOnetic today for operators to see that Ford is serious about sustainability and developing their favourite van range in a way that supports their business."

Compared with the previous-generation 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, Fiesta Van ECOnetic will use 35 gallons less fuel over 12,428 miles – offering genuine savings in daily driving. Extra-urban highway fuel economy is even better – Fiesta Van ECOnetic achieves 88.3 mpg. To achieve this result, further improvements have been made to aerodynamics: lowered ride height and details such as low-drag wheel deflectors build on Fiesta’s already streamlined drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.33.

At the same time, low rolling resistance tyres in an economical 175/65 R14 profile and a longer final drive gear ratio contribute to efficient powertrain performance, especially in highway cruising.

Fiesta Van ECOnetic – what's different?

Aerodynamic spoiler
Lowered suspension
Optimised rolling resistance tyres (175/65R14) and low friction oil
Green shift indicator light
Modified engine calibration
Transmission final drive ratio changed from 3.37 to 3.05

Sustainability has influenced not only new Fiesta Van’s development, but also the facilities in manufacturing. Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre produces Duratorq TDCi engines for all new Fiesta versions and derives all its electricity from renewable sources, using two dedicated wind turbines.

Ford is also sourcing renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand of its manufacturing and engineering facilities in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company will reduce its CO2 emissions by 190,000 tonnes per year.