Used Ford Fiesta review: 2010-2011

New

When fuel prices began to soar carmakers, understandably, turned their attention to finding ways of making their cars more frugal. Some turned to electric cars or petrol/electric hybrids, some explored LPG, and others refined conventional technologies to make cars more efficient. Ford pursued the latter course and produced the Fiesta ECOnetic.

Ford touted the little hatch as the first of a whole series of cars aimed at maximising fuel efficiency it would produce. The ECOnetic looked like any other Fiesta, it was simply a refined version of the popular little front-wheel drive car that was dedicated to saving fuel through better aerodynamic efficiency, weight loss, lower rolling resistance and a smaller, more efficient engine.

Available only as a five-door hatch, the ECOnetic sat lower and had deflectors to reduce aerodynamic drag, and low rolling resistance tyres further cut losses, while weight was cut by the deletion of the spare wheel among other things.

The heart of the ECOnetic Fiesta was a 1.6-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine that punched out 66kW and 200Nm. Typical of a diesel it had lots of low-down, easy driving torque that made it a breeze to drive around town.

The low-down torque was also the key to the car's economy, and to make the most of it, Ford fitted it with a 'green' shift point indicator to show the driver when to step up to the next gear in the five-speed manual gearbox for optimum fuel efficiency.

Critics complained that its appeal was limited because Ford had chosen not to offer the option of an automatic transmission, but to offer an auto would have compromised the fundamental intent of saving fuel. The lack of an automatic might well have reduced the potential sales, but anyone who truly wanted to drive a fuel-efficient car would surely have appreciated the benefits of a manual gearbox.

The bottom line was that the ECOnetic boasted a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.7 L/100 km, which is about the same as would be achieved by the Toyota Prius, but without the complex hybrid technology. Aside from those features aimed directly at reducing fuel consumption the Fiesta ECOnetic was much like other Fiestas in the range.

On the road it was quiet and comfortable, with an agility that made it a fun drive. Inside, it had an agreeable cabin with supportive and comfortable seats, and plenty of the standard features buyers want.

Now

The reports on the ECOnetic are generally favourable, with owners reporting agreeable fuel consumption results and relatively few issues. A couple of reports suggest there can be problems with the automatic regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. When that happens the dealer has to clean the filter, and that can cost money.

Other complaints tend to focus more on issues related to build quality, like power windows breaking down, oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, and ECU failures. Ford recalled the ECOnetic in 2012 to check on a plug in the exhaust system, which it feared could loosen and result in an exhaust leak.

As you would do with any used car purchase check its service record to ensure it has been properly maintained, and give it a thorough visual check around body and interior looking for any damage that might affect its value.

Smithy says

Tops for fuel economy if you are happy to drive small and manual.