Ford->ke31 has announced the arrival of the Focus->ke440 ECOnetic, one of the most fuel efficiency models in the compact class. The ECOnetic has a fuel economy of 80mpg on the combined cycle. It will go on sale in early 2012 in both five-door and estate bodystyles.

"The Focus ECOnetic is a testament to our company's relentless drive for technological innovation and commitment to environmental leadership," says Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's global medium car line director. "It's also going to be a great car to drive."

The new Focus ECOnetic is powered by a 1.6-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel which has been optimized for enhanced fuel efficiency, with a new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling, and further friction reduction measures. The engine is mated to a new six-speed Durashift manual transmission which has been optimized to eliminate frictional losses, and utilizes special low friction transmission oil.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic.

2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic
  • Horsepower: 103
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new ECOnetic model will be distinguished from a standard Focus thanks to the addition of new features that will minimize drag. It gets additional undershields and deflectors and special low-drag ECOnetic wheel covers, which are more streamlined than a conventional alloy wheel design. The ECOnetic model will also get the innovative Active Grille Shutter – an advanced new system that optimizes aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.

Engine

Under the hood, Ford has placed a 1.6-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that delivers a 103 HP and is mated to a new six-speed Durashift manual transmission. The engine is combined with Ford Auto-start-stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode, and Shift Indicator Light.

The common-rail fuel injection system of the diesel engine has been completely redesigned, with eight-hole nano sac injectors operating at injection pressures of up to 1,600 bar, controlled by a more powerful engine management system. The new injection system delivers more precise control and increased combustion efficiency. These new improvements will help reduce fuel consumption to an impressive 80mpg on the combined cycle.

Prices

The new Ford Focus ECOnetic will go on sale in early 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

If we were only using the numbers Ford announced today, we would absolutely say that the new Focus ECOnetic has zero competitors, but there are lots of models in the compact market to choose from. Customers can opt for models like the Nissan Versa, the Toyota Corolla, or the Honda Civic.

The Nissan Versa is offered in both sedan and hatchback versions, with lots of engines to choose from. The entry level Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 Base and Versa Sedan 1.6 models are powered by a 107 HP 1.6 Liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, while the Versa Hatchback and Sedan 1.8 S and 1.8 SL offer a 122 HP 1.8 Liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine as standard. The most powerful version in the Versa line-up delivers a fuel economy of 34 mpg on the highway, considerably lower than the ECOnetic's 80mpg.

The Corolla is offered in three trim versions - Corolla, LE, and S - and are all powered by a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Corolla again delivers significantly less than the ECOnetic model: only 35 mpg on the highway.

The Honda Civic is offered in two versions: a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers 140 HP or a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers 197 HP. The Civic only delivers 34 mpg on the highway.