America has a diesel phobia, and it is a crying shame because there are some damn good diesel cars sold just across the pond. The latest wish-we-got-it is a 67 MPG (U.S.!) Ford Focus Econetic. Booo….
Ford has shown off the new Focus Econetic ahead of the Amsterdam Auto Show, and this adorable little diesel will get a stunning 80 mpg on the Imperial driving cycle, which translate into about 67 mpg on the U.S. standard. And its not a hybrid. While the 104 horsepower, 1.6 liter Duratorq engine certainly deserves some credit, a lot went into improving the aerodynamics of the Focus including an active grille shudder like that found on the U.S.-spec Focus SFE and the Chevy Cruze Eco.
Also on board for the fuel-efficient ride is a start-stop system, regenerative braking (to charge what exactly??) low-rolling resistance tires and plastic wheel covers that, quite frankly, look hideous. Fuel efficiency at the cost of style…is it worth it? I think I’d sacrficie a few mpg’s for better wheels myself, but alas I won’t get the chance because Ford has made it clear they don’t have plans to bring small diesel engines to America, whether it be their compact cars or their awesome Aussie-built Ranger pickup. Guess we’re stuck with a 40 mpg Focus and ugly wheels…
Source: Gas2.0
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