Ford Focus gets 1.0-litre EcoBoost  30 | 01 | 2012

FORD HAS BOOSTED its Focus engine range with the introduction of a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol model. But anyone who thinks it's a wheezy unit should think again: it offers the same amount of power as a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.

The introduction of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, which goes on sale on February 22, means the new Ford Focus range will now be priced now from £13,995.

The new engine is available with two power levels – in the five-door Focus at 123bhp it delivers 56.5mpg and 114g/km CO2. There's also a 98bhp version which delivers 58.9mpg and 109g/km CO2 emissions.

Both versions will qualify for zero vehicle excise duty in the first year and then £20 (98bhp) and £30 (123bhp) a year after that.

Ford unveils 2013 Mondeo

That means company car drivers will enjoy benefit-in-kind rates of 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 103 and 123bhp engines.

The entry-level Focus Edge will be priced at £16,245, a £250 premium over the 104bhp 1.6 model, while the 118hp 5dr will be £500 more.

“Gone are the days when the number of cylinders dictates performance," Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said.

"This highly efficient, technically advanced 1.0-litre EcoBoost 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.”

We roadtest Ford Focus Estate 1.6 EcoBoost

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Jim McGill