Ford Focus 1.6 Ecoboost 2011 CAR review

The Ford Focus redefined that family hatch when it appeared in 1998. Now there’s a new one, the first significant change to the model in seven years.

Can the new 2011 Ford Focus Mk3 move the goalposts again? Read CAR Online's first drive review here - and make sure you read the new February 2011 issue of CAR Magazine, out on 19 January, for our twin test with class benchmark the VW Golf.
The new 2011 Ford Focus: the headlines please

Okay, how about a new platform, class-leading safety kit including Honda-style self-steering, green tech like stop-start and active grille shuttering, a massive jump in refinement, dual-clutch gearboxes, five doors as standard and a new range of Ecoboost engines?
Ecoboost? Is that some kind of economy model?

No, you’re thinking of Ford’s miserly Econetic models. Ecoboost refers to Ford’s new super-frugal turbocharged 1.6 petrol engines that cover ground that would have been naturally aspirated 2.0 turf a few years ago. There are two versions, both fielding 177lb ft of torque (and up to 199lb ft via an overboost function for brief overtaking manoeuvres). Both also return an almost diesel-like 47mpg on the combined cycle and emit just 139g/km. But while one has 148bhp and takes 8.6sec to reach 62mph, the other has 180bhp and takes seven tenths less.

The only version available to try at the media launch was the higher-powered car, a shame as it’s a model Ford has elected not to sell in the UK. It’s not a particularly charismatic engine but, like Alfa’s 1750 Multiair, it’s usefully punchy in the mid range and the Ecoboost definitely has the edge at the top end where it gets a second wind. Read the new February issue of CAR Magazine for our key test of the new Focus diesel and see how it compares with the VW Golf.

The Focus's manual gearshift is positive and the six speeds give a decent spread of ratios with top offering quiet cruising and helping net that impressive mpg figure. But if you were thinking this is some sort of ST replacement, it’s not. It’s a solid performer but it’s not quite a hot hatch. It is nearly hot hatch money though - because the Ecoboost comes only in posh Tinamium or Titanium X trims, meaning a starting price of £19,745 (£20,845) if you go for the estate. Phew.