Ford is aiming to improve its green credentials by launching Econetic versions of both Transit and new Fiesta Van later this year.

The Transit Econetic (available to drive at CCIA, June 16-18 – www.companycarinaction.co.uk) is based on the front-wheel drive Transit 280S with short wheelbase and 2.2-litre 115bhp Duratorq TDCi engine. Target fuel economy is 39.2 mpg, while average CO2 emissions are 189g/km. The Transit Econetic is the first Ford commercial vehicle to offer Euro 5 emission standards.

To create the Econetic, key components and units from the Transit range were selected and combined.

The engine has been re-calibrated for the Econetic, and a new standard speed limiter has been introduced. With this device in place, the top speed of the Econetic is restricted to 70 mph. The limiter unit has been hardcoded to prevent potential manipulation.

Barry Gale, chief engineer commercial vehicles, Ford of Europe, said: “It’s a known fact that driving speed has a crucial influence on the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag and consequently its real world fuel economy. 

“We know that the majority of our customers are willing and able to self-regulate their speed to a reasonable point in order to save fuel and have a more relaxed drive.

The Transit Econetic speed limiter helps our customers to achieve this.”

The Fiesta Van Econetic will have lowered suspension, low rolling resistance tyres and a specially calibrated Duratorq 1.6-litre TDCi for CO2 emissions of just 98g/km. 

Made at Ford’s wind-powered engine plant at Dagenham, Essex, the 90bhp 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi combined with diesel particulate filter, produces 10% less CO2 than the mainstream TDCi and is matched to a special aerodynamic profile that results in a combined mpg figure of 76.4mpg.