30.1.2012 New Ford Focus debuts EcoBoost engine

Ford's new ultra-efficient, turbocharged, high-tech direct injection 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine goes on sale across the Ford Focus range in the UK, as of next month.

This unique EcoBoost engine delivers performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine with significantly improved fuel efficiency and class-leading ultra-low CO2 emissions.

The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is available with two power levels – in the five-door Focus at 125 PS it delivers a combined fuel economy of 56.5 mpg and low CO2 emissions of 114 g/km (a level unmatched by Focus competitors with similar power outputs). In the 100 PS version, a combined fuel economy of 58.9 mpg is obtained and outright best-in-class petrol CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.

Around 200 UK engineers based at Dunton and Dagenham successfully developed a powertrain which not only leads on fuel economy but also delivers the refined and spirited driving performance that customers have come to expect from Ford.

Though the 1.0-litre EcoBoost cylinder block can fit onto a sheet of A4 paper, it delivers up to 125 PS and 170 Nm peak torque (200 Nm with overboost) at between 1,400 and 4,500 rpm, giving it the highest power density of any Ford production engine to date.

In addition to the customer benefits resulting from improved fuel consumption and petrol being up to 10p per litre cheaper than diesel, the lower CO2 emissions translate into direct customer savings. The 100 PS and 125 PS versions will both qualify for zero car tax in the first year and then £20 (100 PS) and £30 (125 PS) per year thereafter. Compared with the current 1.6-litre 105 PS and 125 PS engines, this represents savings of £115 in the first year, and £95 and £85 respectively in subsequent years.

Company car drivers will see attractive benefit-in-kind rates of only 13% in 2012/2013 equating to savings on a Focus Zetec of up to £32 per month at the 40% tax level versus the current 1.6-litre 105 and 125 PS engines.

Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said, "Gone are the days when the number of cylinders dictates performance. This highly efficient, technically advanced powertrain is not only great fun to drive, but it delivers fuel economy improvements and ultra-low CO2 emissions which lead to real world cost savings for our customers."

The new Ford Focus range is priced from £13,995 on the road, and will be available in Ford showrooms as of February 2nd 2012.

Newspress