Toyota-killer seems a bit of a misnomer. Mini-mangler is better suited for a lurid child crime feature on television. So what to call the Ford Fiesta Econetic? I think we’re going to have to stick with surprising. We liked the Fiesta to begin with, and it’s continuing Ford’s global trek to take back some of the toughest niches anywhere.

One note before we start our effusive praise: the Econetic is like a Fiesta the same way that Lewis Hamilton’s F1 car is like a hoon’s V8 beast. That is, you’re not buying a Fiesta that runs about $9,000 cheaper than the Econetic, but the most fuel efficient car in Australia. If that doesn’t mean anything, scroll back up to the top and click to another review.

Still here? Perfect. Ford took the Focus and did a lot of work to make it as efficient as possible, in fact everything short of adding a hybrid system. There’s the first diesel engine in a Ford compact, a lowered ride height (for aerodynamics, of course) as well as updates to the transmission and gear ratios. Then they shaved weight by taking the power windows out of the rear, reduced resistance on the tires and added a bit of aero work to make the breeze work with the Fiesta.

That will net you an absurd 3.7L/100km travelled in combined driving. Perhaps its no surprise that the chaps at Ford made their announcement the same day the Camry Hybrid rolled off the production line. Numbers for performance are good, too, with 66kW of horsepower, but a healthy 200Nm of torque starting at a low 1,750 RPM.

The problem with the oiler is that if you’re used to an automatic, you may have to swap cogs more often than you’d like. You can be barely moving forward and already find yourself in fifth gear. That can be an issue in heavy traffic or off a red light. At the same time, though, you’ll find it makes life a lot simpler once you get above 40 km/h or so.

It also helps that the lowered suspension makes handling feel as good as the original Fiesta, which is already a class leader. It’s small enough to duck in and out of city streets with ease, and it handles well along the curves. Inside, however, we have a few quibbles.

While airbags for the front occupants are as good as the best of the luxury makers, legroom can be a bit tight for the rear passengers. While everyone is safe enough that ANCAP gave a five-star rating to the ECOnetic, the people in the back might complain that they have to roll up their windows, and you won’t want to fit more than two adults in the back for trips of any import.

On the other hand, seats are supportive if a bit lacking in the bolstering department, bluetooth and MP3 inputs allow a variety of electronics to be used in sync with the car. Gadget lovers will also love the digital display that complements one of the best dashes in the class.

The Fiesta ECOnetic has a few foibles and issues, but then it’s almost in a class of it’s own. If you love the exterior and the efficiency, you’ll find that it’s an amazing option for those looking to use a little less diesel in a compact car. And at less than $25,000 to your home, it manages to carve out a new place in the market. Whether or not it will in your heart is up to your feelings after you take it out for a drive.

Specifications:
Engine: 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 66kW @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm @ 1,750rpm
Induction: Turbocharged
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Driven Wheels: Front
Brakes: Disc (F) / Drum (R) with ABS, EBA & EBD
Top Speed: Not Tested
0-100km/h: Not Tested
CO2 Emissions: 98g/km
Fuel Consumption: 3.7L/100km (ADR – Combined)
Fuel Consumption: 4.7L/100km (As Tested – City Cycle)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 40L
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Five-star
Airbags: Front, Side and Driver’s Knee
Safety: ESC with Traction Control
Spare Wheel: N/A
Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
Cargo Capacity: 295L
Tow Capacity: N/A
Turning Circle: 10.2m
Warranty: Three-Year / 100,000km
Weight: 1,088kg (Tare)
Wheels: 14-inch Steel