Click the Fiesta ECOnetic for a high res gallery

At the British Motor Show in London, Ford has unveiled the most fuel efficient version yet of the new Fiesta, the ECOnetic model. Like the Focus and Mondeo ECOnetic models, this Fiesta has been tweaked to minimize fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. In this case the car is equipped with a 1.6L diesel and the usual mix of closing off openings in the front to reduce the drag. A pair of small air deflectors on the trailing edge of the wheel wells helps to control airflow coming off the back of the car. Revised engine calibrations, a taller final drive ratio and low rolling resistance tires yield a combined mileage rating of 65.3 mpg (US) on the EU test cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions are measured at 98 g/km meaning that the Fiesta is exempted from some road taxes in the UK and elsewhere. Unfortunately we probably won't get this version when the Fiesta debuts here in about 18 months. The Ford press release is after the jump.


[Source: Ford]

The British Motor Show is coming up later this month and Peugeot is planning to shine the spotlight on its most efficient and least polluting vehicles. Drivers in London, in particular, have to deal with congestion charges if they have to go into the central part of the city but they are exempted if the cars they drive emit fewer than 120g/km of carbon dioxide. Low-emitting cars like this also get a break on national road taxes. As a result, companies like Peugeot have been trying to create models specifically to meet this standard. The diminutive 107 KISS SE only has to pay about $70/year in road tax. Peugeot will also be showcasing the 908 HDi Le Mans racer and the 308 RCZ concept. For those of you in the UK who attend the show, you can quench your thirst at a free water bar at the Peugeot stand.

[Source: Peugeot]

Ford is expected to take advantage of this month's British Motor Show in London to debut an ECOnetic version of the new Fiesta sub-compact. ECOnetic is Ford's branding for special low CO₂ versions of its different vehicles. In the case of the Fiesta ECOnetic, that means a 1.6L TDCi turbodiesel under the hood cranking out 89hp. Helping the Fiesta minimize its fuel consumption and hence CO₂ emissions will be a modified low-drag nose, side skirts, rear spoiler and wheels. Most of the grille will be closed off to push air around the car rather than through the engine compartment. The final drive ratio has been changed to lower the engine revs when cruising as well. The 2009 Fiestas, like their Mazda2 siblings, are lighter than the models that they replace. All of this adds up to 62.5mpg (U.S.) combined from the new model and CO₂ emissions of 98g/km. That CO₂ number is low enough to exempt the Fiesta ECOnetic from British road taxes and London Congestion Charges.

[Source: AutoExpress]

The NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) car company unveiled the MEGA City electric car this week at the British Motor Show.

In the wake of the unveiling of the spectacular Tesla Roadster sports car, the MEGA City seems completely boring by comparison. Beyond the 2-seat passenger configuration, the Tesla and the NICE couldn't be more different. With its 4kW maximum output, 40 mph top speed, and 38 to 50 mile range on a full charge, no one is ever going to accuse the MEGA City of setting any performance benchmarks.

Then again, the NICE isn't about all that. It is a pure city car designed to be used on the streets of London, where its exempt from the congestion and road taxes, pulls a low insurance premium, and qualifies its driver for free or cut-rate parking. Oh, and it also won't break the bank with its £9,995 starting price. NICE even has an agreement worked out with self-service car rental agency Streetcar that will let drivers rent a VW at reduced prices if they need to go somewhere outside of the EV's range.

The NICE MEGA City is a robust-looking little package that's available in 5 colors and is reasonably well-equipped right out of the showroom. Beyond that, the list of available options is highlighted by a satellite navigation system that has London's free Park-and-Charge recharging points pre-programmed into it. Nice touch. Drivers will be able to download updates via the NICE website.

For London's urbanites, the NICE MEGA City offers a stylish, zero-emissions automotive solution that's affordable at the same time.

(Additional info after the jump)

Source: NICE

Big Sib Autoblog has posted details on the SMART fortwo EV electric vehicle. The EV, which debuts at the British Motor Show next week, will later be leased to various corporate fleets throughout the UK on a trial basis. SMART maker DaimlerChrysler will then evaluate and see if it will expand production of the diminutive vehicle or even sell it to the U.S. States Mercedes Car Group. Managing Director Dermot Kelly said, "A market trial of the SMARt fortwo EV is a significant step for the Mercedes Car Group as it is an important part of our commitment to sustainable mobility."

The SMART fortwo EV stats are impressive. The 30kW engine has a 72-mile range and top speed of 70 mph. And its ability to hustle from 0-30 mph in 6.5 makes it even faster than its petrol-sibling.

Full press release can be found at the link.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler via Autoblog]