Ford Focus Econetic (2008-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

'All aboard the Eco bandwagon,' said Ford when it conceived the Focus Econetic. BMW was ahead of the game with its Efficient Dynamics technology, VW had their Bluemotion series well under way and Seat was cantering along with the Ibiza Ecomotive. Then came Skoda with 'Greenline' (surely that's a bus network?) and Mercedes-Benz joined the party with Blue Efficiency.

What a to-do. Ford's product chiefs had to come up with something so they followed VW's path utilising low resistance tyres, longer gearing, better aeros, low viscosity transmission oil and an optimum gearchange indicator. Then they stuck an 'Eco' badge on the back and had a nice cup of tea and a sit down.

The Econetic isn't rocket science: it's basic engineering with added PR benefits, and as such, you might think of it as nothing more than a shameless marketing tool designed to appease Guardian readers.

And, on the face of it, a bog-standard Ford Focus 1.6TDCi Style will do the job just as well: it's £250 cheaper, has more usable gear ratios, and without the low-rolling resistance tyres, offers a more compliant ride and better grip. It's pretty efficient too, returning 62.7 mpg - only 3mpg less than the Econetic - and carbon dioxide emissions are only slightly higher than the 'greener' version.

There is a case for the Econetic though: it's specced in the higher Zetec trim and alloy wheels are standard: you'll pay an extra £500 if you want alloys on your TDCi. But the Econetic v TDCi conundrum is more than just about getting the sums right, there's much more to consider...