Ford Focus hatchback - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Ford Focus has always been competitive, rather than class-leading, where it comes to fuel efficiency, but ever-improving rivals have forced the latest model to make a bit of a leap forwards. Clever engine technology, weight reductions and sophisticated aerodynamics help to improve economy, while its inevitable popularity should bring maintenance costs down, but some rivals enjoy stronger residual values. Notably, there are no plans for a full-hybrid or plug-in version of the Focus just yet. This omission is made more prominent by rivals such as the Toyota Corolla being offered as a hybrid, while the latest-generation models of the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra are now available with PHEV powertrains.

Ford Focus MPG & CO2

The biggest fourth-generation Focus engine news is undoubtedly the introduction of cylinder deactivation on the EcoBoost petrol, with Ford claiming such technology has never previously appeared on a three-cylinder engine. It helps the regular 123bhp version of the 1.0-litre Focus to return fuel consumption of up to 52.3mpg. WLTP-rated CO2 emissions of this engine stand at 121g/km, for a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating for company-car users.

Choose the 1.0-litre petrol engine equipped with mild-hybrid technology and two versions are available. The base 123bhp version is fitted with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, returning up to 52.3mpg and emissions starting from 122g/km. Opt for the more powerful 153bhp engine with a six-speed manual and 54.3mpg is possible, while the automatic version returns a similarly excellent economy figure of 53.3mpg. CO2 emissions for this engine start from 116g/km. This 1.0-litre engine makes a sound choice for those who cover fewer than 12,000 or so miles a year, or who make frequent short or urban journeys.

Diesel fuel-economy figures for the Focus are even more impressive, particularly those of the 118bhp, 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine. Now only available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, this engine is claimed to achieve up to 61.4mpg, while qualifying for a reasonable BiK band thanks to CO2 emissions starting from 120g/km. The larger 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel was discontinued in 2021, and was capable of strong fuel economy, officially returning more than 61mpg.

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Every standard petrol and diesel Ford Focus is liable for annual road tax (VED) at the standard rate, with the mild-hybrid models being liable for the discounted rate. 

Insurance

The Focus ranges from insurance group 11 (out of 50) on Zetec models and around 15 on most other models. At the higher end of the scale, the luxurious Vignale with a diesel engine occupies group 23, and the ST is the highest of the range in group 34.

Servicing

Ford has the largest network of dealers and authorised workshops of any manufacturer in the UK, which is one of the reasons its cars are so popular. It also means that routine maintenance should be convenient, with a workshop in most big towns. Annual servicing is required, or every 12,500 miles if the latter occurs first.

Your Ford dealer can arrange a service contract that takes your annual mileage into account, and this can make it easier to manage running costs. Consumable parts such as tyres and brake components are all readily available, which helps keep costs down – even the biggest 18-inch tyres are of a size and specification that's also used by many rival cars.

Warranty

Every Ford sold in the UK has a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended to four or five years at extra cost. A year's roadside assistance is included, too, but this warranty package is now badly overshadowed by those from Toyota, Hyundai and Kia – seven years or 100,000 miles in the case of the latter.