EcoBoost variant cuts emissions even lower in Focus

FORD clearly has its eyes on even more awards for its EcoBoost engine range, as it announces a new ultra-efficient variant.

The specially calibrated 1.0-litre power plant will be offered in the Focus and is the first petrol-engined family car in Europe to dip below the 100g/km CO₂ emissions level — even if it is 99g/km.

The Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost has returned 67.5mpg in tests thanks to the amended 100PS version of Ford’s award-winning engine.

The new Ford Focus will feature Ford ECOnetic Technology including ultra-low rolling resistance tyres, unique aerodynamics under the car and revised gearing to help deliver the company’s most fuel-efficient ever petrol-powered family car.

“Just a couple of years ago few would have thought that a medium-sized petrol car could break the 100g/km CO₂  barrier,” said Barb Samardzich, European Product Development vice president. “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.”

The International Engine of the Year 2013 and 2012 makes the new model more powerful than a first generation Ford Focus with a 1.6-litre engine from less than 10 years ago, while producing 47 per cent less CO₂.

The new model will extend to three the number of Focus models offered with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, alongside the standard 100PS version, with 109g/km CO₂ emissions, and the 125PS with 114g/km CO₂.

Introduced to the Fiesta, B-MAX, C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX last year, the 1.0-litre 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’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine uses a low inertia turbocharger, split cooling system and direct fuel injection to deliver surprising levels of performance from the three-cylinder engine block. The new Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost 99 g/km will also use a range of fuel-efficient Ford ECOnetic Technologies including Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Active Grille Shutter and Ford EcoMode to support a more economical and environmentally friendly driving style.

Ford is also currently launching the zero emissions Focus Electric, and also offers the diesel Focus ECOnetic that delivers 88g CO₂ emissions.

“With the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost, Focus Electric and Focus ECOnetic, Ford offers customers an unrivalled power of choice of fuel-efficient family cars,” said Sherif Marakby, medium car vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.

Available immediately in the UK are new Ford Focus derivatives with satellite navigation as standard.  The Focus Zetec Navigator is offered in addition to the standard Zetec series and adds Ford nav, new-design 16in alloy wheels and centre console.

The Titanium Navigator series replaces the Titanium series and adds Sony satellite navigation, new 16in alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.  The Titanium X Navigator supplants the Titanium X series, offering Sony nav, rear view camera and new 17in alloy wheels.

These series are priced from £17,555, £19,295 and £21,295 respectively, compared with £17,305, £19,045 and £21,045 for Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X currently.

Ford EcoBoost video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd6mUcqV8oY