Dubbed the UK’s greenest family car, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is now available at dealerships in the United Kingdom. The newly designed Ford Fiesta hit the market in October of last year and since the ECOnetic was announced, more than 500 orders have been placed.

“For the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, modifications include lowered suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a gear change alert. Together these help to lower fuel consumption to 76.3mpg and CO2 emissions to 98g/km.

Automotive environmental specialists, Cleangreencars.co.uk, confirmed that the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is the UK’s greenest family car. Publisher Jay Nagley said: “Cleangreencars.co.uk welcomes any car that sets a new benchmark for the industry. That the Fiesta ECOnetic does so without any loss of driving pleasure makes the new model doubly welcome. Of the 3,600 production models ranked by CO2 on Cleangreencars.co.uk, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic comes out top among five-seater cars.” (Source: Newspress)

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi has fuel efficiency ratings of 61.4 mpg in urban areas, 88.3 mpg in extra-urban areas and a combined fuel efficiency of 76.3 mpg. Nice!

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Filed Under: Europe, diesel

The accolades for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI just keep rolling in. The vehicle was chosen as the 2009 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal; this award was announced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle is also among the finalists for the Urban Wheel Awards Urban Car of the Year. The winner of that award will be announced in a ceremony on January 13, 2009.

The Jetta TDI has now been named one of three finalists for the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year in the car category. The Jetta will be up against the Ford Flex and the Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis is also a finalist in the Urban Wheel Awards competition.

Another more eco-friendly vehicle also made the list but in the truck category. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC is one of three trucks to make the finals.

“The awards are unique in the United States because — instead of being given by a single publication — they are given by 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The winners will be announced on January 11, 2009 at the North American International Auto Show.

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, BlueTEC, Mercedes, Volkswagen, diesel

I can honestly say that when I think of a fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle that an RV does not come to mind. Times they are a changing though. Fleetwood, a powerhouse in RV sales and manufacturing, debuted a diesel electric hybrid concept recreational vehicle (RV). The debut took place at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) trade show in Kentucky.

“Fleetwood’s first-ever hybrid motor home, which features hybrid electric power train technology from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation. Fleetwood Hybrid increases fuel economy up to 42%* and can be re-fueled at any diesel fuel station.” (Source: Fleetwood Enterprises)

Fuel efficiency would be approximately 12 miles per gallon compared to seven miles per gallon that is seen on a similarly-sized Fleetwood RV. Fleetwood spokesperson Heather Everett said, “The RV would operate much like a Toyota Prius, using just its battery power for city and slow driving. When the RV hits the freeway it would use both the battery and diesel engine, charging the battery at the same time.” (Source: The Press-Enterprise)

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Filed Under: diesel

The 2009 Jetta TDI is on the EPA’s list of most fuel-efficient vehicles and is eligible for a $1,300 federal tax credit as an advanced lean-burn technology vehicle. The 2009 Jetta comes in a 2.0L TDI Sedan model as well as a 2.0L TDI SportWagen; both of these models qualify for the tax credit. If you are shopping for a new, greener, vehicle – consider purchasing a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

“We’re proud to be the first manufacturer to offer a clean diesel vehicle for sale in all fifty states,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO/President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We believe our Jetta TDI’s truly offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience, that provides the customer the best of both worlds—excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience.” (Source: Volkswagen Media Site)

The Jetta TDI has an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 30 in the city and 41 on the highway. However, Volkswagen hired a third party (AMCI) to test the Jetta TDI in real-world conditions and the results were significantly higher. The company was able to obtain a 38 mpg average in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan has an MSRP starting at $21,990. The Jetta TDI SportWagen will start at $23590.

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Filed Under: Volkswagen, diesel

The trend of driving long distances to obtain maximum fuel efficiency continues with Audi announcing its results from the second leg of its cross-country Mileage Marathon. The Audi Clean Diesel A3 has stepped up as the best performing Audi averaging 46 mpg through its second leg. The vehicles, an Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, Audi Q5 3.0 TDI, Audi A4 3.0 TDI and Audi A3 2.0 TDI, have completed 2,800 miles of the trek and have on more leg to go (Denver to Las Vegas.)

During the second leg of the trip, the Audi Q7 TDI, which recently received high ratings on the SmartGreen Index, clocked in significantly better than its non-diesel counterpart did with an average fuel efficiency of 30mpg. This was over 1842 miles with an average speed of 62 miles per hour.

The Audi Q5 3.0 TDI averaged 37 mpg over 1805 miles with a 60 mpg average speed while the A4 broke the 40mpg mark with a combined fuel efficiency of 43 mpg. The A4 traveled 1797 miles with a 61 mph average speed. The best performing vehicle of the bunch, the Audi A3 recorded an average 46 mpg over 1821 miles with a 59 mph average speed.

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Filed Under: Audi, diesel

John and Helen Taylor have secured their place in the Guinness Book of World Records for setting a fuel consumption record. In a 20-day trip, the couple averaged 58.82 miles per gallon in their Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

From the September 29, 2008 press release:

“The previous Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption on a nationwide drive was 51.58 miles per gallon and the Taylors broke it by setting a new record of 58.82 miles per gallon, a whopping 14 percent improvement. In 20 days, driving across 48 states the Taylors drove 9,419 miles, exceeding 60 mpg on several legs of the record-setting run, spending only 6.9 cents per mile (total was $653).” (Source: PRNewswire)

Consumers who purchase the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI may be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit as owners of an “Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle.” The Jetta TDI, a 50-state compliant clean diesel, comes in a sedan and SportWagen model and as of 9/15/2008 are available for purchase. Although the Jetta used by the Taylors achieved a whopping 58.82 miles per gallon, the official EPA estimates are 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

“Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.” (Source: Volkswagen)

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Filed Under: Volkswagen, diesel