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- 11 Jan 2004
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I have been idly looking at the new car listings in AE.
Given that the tax band applicable to the 1.6 TDCi Focus is up to 120g/km., why have Ford bothered with an Eco model (114/5)?
This does not significantly reduce the figure of the standard motor (119), unlike for example, the Fiesta, whose Eco model reduces the figure enough to squ
eeze it into the lower tax band.
Also, while Ford are to be applauded by introducing so many Eco models, why are so many others not bothering? If I buy a new car now (and even in the future, when this depression is over), I'll be looking for Eco features, more MPG, cheaper RFL etc...
Surely to boost sales, manufacturers should be tempting buyers with cars that appeal to their thrifty nature?
So many manufacturers don't seem to be making the effort. Citroen, whose 1.6 HDi engines are rebadged TDCi & used in Fords, post CO2 figures as high as 150g/km.
Even my comparatively old 1.9TDi Octavia has an output 10g/km less than that.
Fiat's cracking 1.3 diesel varies between 110-137, depending upon the model.
Surely these figures can be improved upon if they really try??
Underbody trays, lower rolling resistance tyres, remapped ECU's & taller gearing can all be employed, amongst others, to improve ratings.
Given that the tax band applicable to the 1.6 TDCi Focus is up to 120g/km., why have Ford bothered with an Eco model (114/5)?
This does not significantly reduce the figure of the standard motor (119), unlike for example, the Fiesta, whose Eco model reduces the figure enough to squ
eeze it into the lower tax band.
Also, while Ford are to be applauded by introducing so many Eco models, why are so many others not bothering? If I buy a new car now (and even in the future, when this depression is over), I'll be looking for Eco features, more MPG, cheaper RFL etc...
Surely to boost sales, manufacturers should be tempting buyers with cars that appeal to their thrifty nature?
So many manufacturers don't seem to be making the effort. Citroen, whose 1.6 HDi engines are rebadged TDCi & used in Fords, post CO2 figures as high as 150g/km.
Even my comparatively old 1.9TDi Octavia has an output 10g/km less than that.
Fiat's cracking 1.3 diesel varies between 110-137, depending upon the model.
Surely these figures can be improved upon if they really try??
Underbody trays, lower rolling resistance tyres, remapped ECU's & taller gearing can all be employed, amongst others, to improve ratings.