FORD is promising more power and lower ownership costs following the introduction of a new direct injection turbodiesel engine to its Fiesta-based light commercial vehicle range. The 74bhp 1.8-litre TDdi unit will sit alongside the existing 59bhp 1.8-litre indirect injection oil burner in the Fiesta 35 and Courier 50 van range, offering reduced noise levels and a claimed 15% improvement in fuel economy over the old IDI engine.

As well as fuel economy and emissions improvements, Ford has also concentrated on reducing noise and vibration levels. The new models TDdi are on sale now, costing £7,990 for the Fiesta and £8,390 for the Courier - a price premium of £130 for each model over the old IDI versions.