After our recent first drive of Ford‘s low-CO2 Focus Econetic, we’ve now had an early chance to drive the second of Ford’s green models – the Mondeo Econetic.
This time Ford has actually achieved a significant cut in CO2 output over the standard model. The Mondeo Econetic is based on the 125PS 1.8-litre TDCi Edge that comes in at 149g/km, a figure the eco version beats by 10g/km to put it in the 18% company car tax band. Importantly, it’s also in the same tax band as its VW Passat Bluemotion and Renault Laguna 1.5 dCi rivals. However, the Renault, with a 130g/km CO2 figure will stay in 18% band in 2010 when the VW and Ford rise to 19%.
But for now 18% is the lowest any diesel-powered upper-medium car driver can pay as there aren’t any cars at or below the 13% band of 120g/km.
This sector is evolving rapidly. The closest any manufacturer comes to the 13% band in the large family car sector is the…
