Drivelease posted on February 20, 2012 17:51
Ford’s latest Focus now has an innovative and lightweight petrol engine that has just a 1.0 litre capacity and only three cylinders but with a turbo to boost power. In fact, it’s so small, the engine block just about covers a sheet of A4 paper.
OK, the power output is 125PS – that’s the same as a standard 1.6 petrol Focus. But it’s efficiency is far greater: there’s 56.5mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 114g/km. For those thinking of potential company car tax, that’s a 13% banding in 2012/13 tax year.
There are in fact two versions of this engine, a lower powered 100PS model with even fewer CO2 emissions (109g/km) and greater economy (58.9mpg), which is combined with a five speed gearbox.
But the car we are testing is the 125PS version with six speed manual gearbox in the five door hatchback Focus.
This 125PS Focus EcoBoost model is available in Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium and Titanium X trim both as a five door hatchback or estate model. We tested the Titanium hatchback model, which costs £18,995 on the road.
The Facts
Size doesn’t matter – as the engine gives nothing away to the larger capacity units with phenomenal low down torque and with 170Nm available at very low revs – with an over boost to 200Nm, also there’s the hushed cruising or near silence at standstill.
A pleasing off-beat urgent warble under hard acceleration and over 56mpg official fuel economy, and low CO2 emissions for company car tax purposes: of just 13% in 2012/13.
So Diesel fuel economy, but no 3% diesel surcharge on company car tax, plus petrol is cheaper on the forecourts, so fill ups cost less!
There’s the usual attributes of a Ford Focus, too - Excellent ride, practicality, running costs plus excellent Driver Assistance Pack (£750.