This week Ford's new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine powered Focus will begin to arrive in dealerships across Ireland. On paper a one-litre, three-cylinder engine in a car the size of the Focus should not make sense but the new EcoBoost is not a normal engine.
Exterior
From launch the EcoBoost engine will be available in all Focus body styles - five-door hatchback, four-door saloon and estate - meaning those looking for a petrol engine that can match a diesel in the efficiency stakes are not limited in their options.
Interior
Inside the EcoBoost Focus is the exact same as the rest of the Focus range, so no tell-tale signs that there is a tiny engine up front. Even the 'sewing machine' thrum normally associated with three-cylinder units is largely absent - only really showing its presence in the 100hp model when pushed.
Mechanicals
The small (the cylinder block can apparently sit on an A4 page) but powerful direct injection turbocharged engine is available in either 100- or 125hp power outputs. Whichever version you opt for the EcoBoost delivers class leading fuel efficiency with the five-speed manual equipped 100hp promising 4.8 litres/100km (58.9mpg) and emissions of just 109g/km, or 22g less than the current 1.6-litre petrol engine. An extra cog for the lively 125hp variant means it is not far behind with fuel consumption of 5.0 litres/100km (56.5mpg) and emissions also in Band A, at 114g/km.
Anything else?
The EcoBoost range starts from €21,485 for the Focus five-door entry level model, rising to €22,335 for the Focus Edge, in both cases a saving of €300 on the equivalent diesel variant. The EcoBoost 125 debuts on the Focus Zetec, from €24,235. The EcoBoost engine will be available later this year on the new Ford B-MAX, C-MAX and Fiesta.