Ford Says New Focus Tops Segment in Fuel Efficiency

Ford debuts a new ultra-efficient version of the Focus 1.0L EcoBoost as the first gasoline-powered midsize car in Europe to break the 100g/km carbon-dioxide barrier.

Capable of 67.5 mpg (3.5 L/100 km) and 99 g/km, it will be the auto maker’s most fuel-efficient car ever sold in its segment when it reaches showrooms in early 2014.

It is powered by a specially calibrated 100-hp version of the award-winning engine and Ford’s ECOnetic technology, including special tires, unique aerodynamics and revised gearing, help achieve the 99 g/km CO2 level.

Barb Samardzich, vice president- European product development, says few would have thought just a couple of years ago that a medium-sized gasoline car could break the 100 g/km barrier.

“Ford’s 1.0L EcoBoost engine has a habit of taking expectations of what a petrol engine can deliver and turning them upside down,” she says.

The engine makes the new model more powerful than a first-generation Focus with a 1.6L engine from less than 10 years ago, while producing 47% less CO2.

The new model becomes the third Focus offered with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine, alongside the standard 100-hp version with 109 g/km CO2 emissions and the 125-hp with 114 g/km CO2.

Ford says the 1.0L EcoBoost engine will be extended to the EcoSport SUV, Transit Connect and Transit Courier commercial vehicles, Tourneo Connect people mover and, later, the all-new Mondeo.

Ford also is launching the zero-emissions Focus Electric and offers a diesel Focus ECOnetic that delivers 88 g/km of CO2 emissions.