Ford Focus 2015 review – Is the tech-loaded new-look Focus a Golf beater? - MPG and running costs

Ford’s best-seller returns in its sleekest form yet

Evo rating
Price
from £16,245
  • Composed chassis, refined ride, strong engine performance
  • But those engines are thirsty

MPG and running costs 

Ford claims that the 1-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is good for a claimed 60.1mpg combined, but we struggled to achieve just 60 per cent of that on our tests. Still, since it emits 108g/km of CO2, road tax is just £20 a year.

For those looking to eke out as many miles as possible from a tank, the diesels provide the best answer. Ford claims its 1.5-litre TDCi can manage an impressive 70.3mpg combined, though our tests saw us average around 50mpg. But with just 98g/km of CO2 produced, the unit is tax exempt. The biggest 2-litre diesel adds just 7g/km to that number and costs £20 a year to tax.

Unsurprisingly, the most potent engine available – the 1.5-litre EcoBoost – is also the least frugal. Ford claims 51.4mpg combined is possible, but once again, we struggled to get anywhere near that on our tests. It also produces 127g/km, which isn’t much considering its size, but thanks to the structure of the UK tax brackets this sends the annual rate up to £110. 

The story’s the same for both the auto and manual gearboxes, as Ford’s numbers suggest that opting for the Powershift automatic has next to no impact on economy.

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