Automobile News

A supermini-MPV with impressive cabin flexibility, the Ford B-MAX is a Fiesta-based car that will surely replace the much-criticised Fusion.

Inviting Ford to join the rapidly growing supermini-MPV class, the B-Max is an efficient newcomer. Expected to be produced at the Ford’s new factory in 2010 in Romania, the B-MAX includes vast, bold headlights and orderly tail-lamps. Visually appealing and performance efficient, the model will feature a turbo petrol engine, with a capacity of 1.0-litre units. While we can expect an output of somewhere between 89bhp to 108bhp, there is also a scope for a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Then the oil burner is also included, mainly to form a basis for the green Econetic version. Doing so saves far more energy than energy saving tyres do, as well as other small eco friendly measures. So that’s great news for the eco-friendly motorists, who hate to disturb the environment with pollution-generating vehicles.

If the B-MAX turns out to be as good as it sounds, it will give a tough competition to the rivals like Renault Modus and Vauxhall Meriva. All this should not be taken as less than an achievement for the brand as its previous model Fusion was not competent enough to take that challenge.

As per the information from Ford, they are planning to construct 100,000 models in the initial year and the numbers might even increase in case of more demand.

The theme of this year’s British Motor Show, taking place now, appears to be frugality and energy conservation. Other than driving less, one the best ways to save fuel is naturally to purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle, and thankfully the industry has started to offer some truly thrifty models. The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic currently being introduced at the Motor Show exemplifies this new demand for petrol saving cars, and impresses with an astounding fuel mileage of 76.3 mpg.

The Fiesta ECOnetic’s economical features don’t end there either. Other than officially being the most petrol efficient car in the UK, the Fiesta ECOnetic is not called ECO for nothing. It manages to also be one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the road as well, with carbon dioxide emissions of only 98g/km. A structural change in design, as well as a lowered suspension and better tyres, have helped contributed to this low CO2 output. Clearly, the Fiesta ECOnetic speaks directly to the needs of everyday people today, with its high emphasis on fuel conservation and the environment. The Focus ECOnetic sold particularly well in the UK and this long anticipated model can definitely expect similar success.