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2014 Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.0-litre is less thirsty, more eco-efficient

Ford has been busy refining the 100PS Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.0-litre to make it the most fuel efficient and eco-friendly petrol family car the manufacturer has ever made.

A number of revisions under Ford’s ECOnetic Technology umbrella have been applied, including ultra-low rolling resistance tyres to reduce friction, unique aerodynamics under the car to make it more streamlined and revised gearing to help conserve yet more fuel.

The new Focus EcoBoost also benefits from Smart Regenerative Charging that uses braking force to recharge its battery, an active grille shutter to minimise friction at speed and Ford’s EcoMode, a system that watches your driving style and offers tips to further improve efficiency.

All of the changes equate to improved fuel economy of 67.5mpg, up from the current model’s 59mpg – an increase of nearly 13 per cent. CO2 emissions have also been reduced, from 109g/km to the Vehicle Excise Duty-exempt level of 99g/km.

“Just a couple of years ago few would have thought that a medium-sized petrol car could break the 100g/km CO2 barrier,” said European Product Development vice president Barb Samardzich. “Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has a habit of taking expectations of what a petrol engine can deliver and turning them upside down.”

Ford was keen to point out the revised 1.0-litre EcoBoost is more powerful than a first-generation Focus from nearly a decade ago, yet produces 47 per cent less ozone-harming CO2.

Such is the faith Ford has in its little engine, it will be using it in the EcoSport SUV, Transit Connect and Transit Courier commercial vehicles as well as the Tourneo Connect and the new Mondeo.

There’s no word yet on a starting price for the forthcoming EcoBoost. We expect it to start around £16,245 as that’s what the entry-level current EcoBoost costs.

A spokesperson for Ford says there are currently no plans to apply the same efficiency improvements to the more powerful 1.0-litre 125PS model.

 

 

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