Ford's new ultra-frugal Fiesta was unveiled at the British International Motor Show today, completing the company's small, medium and large car ECOnetic line-up.

The wraps came off the 76.3mpg Ford Fiesta ECOnetic – Britain's greenest family car with CO₂ emissions of 98g/km.  On sale from £11,800 by the end of this year, Ford Fiesta ECOnetic joins existing Mondeo and Focus ECOnetic models.

Ford Focus ECOnetic has led a 38 per cent sales surge in the first half of this year generated by Ford's sub-120g/km CO₂ vehicles – all powered by Dagenham's 1.4/1.6 TDCi engines.  Earlier this month the sub-140g/km Ford Mondeo ECOnetic went on sale.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

The Fiesta ECOnetic becomes the most fuel efficient new five-seater family car in the UK.  With CO₂ emissions at under 100g/km, Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is zero rated both for road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) and for the 'showroom tax' element of VED introduced for the first year of ownership in this year's Budget.

Aerodynamic body styling, lowered suspension, low resistance tyres and low friction oil all help the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic achieve ultra low CO₂ emissions.  Additionally a green shift indicator in the instrument cluster highlights the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "Many drivers are prepared to be green - but still want comfort, performance and an affordable price.  ECOnetic answers that demand.

"Ford's ECOnetic range, complete with new Fiesta, delivers style with a green conscience."

Fiesta ECOnetic – what's different?

• Aerodynamic  rear air deflectors
• Lowered suspension
• Optimised rolling resistance tyres (175/65R14) and low friction oil
• Green shift indicator light
• Modified engine calibration
• Transmission final drive ratio changed from 3.37 to 3.05

The new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic joins the Ford Focus ECOnetic, which went on sale earlier this year and achieves CO₂ emissions of 115g/km and fuel consumption of 65.6mpg (combined cycle).  The Ford Mondeo ECOnetic went on sale this month and offers large car comfort combined with fuel economy of over 53mpg and CO₂ of 139g/km.