Short test: Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost (92 kW) Titanium (5 doors)

The 92 kW three-cylinder is set to be the base engine for several of Ford's smaller models. They just introduced one, the B-Max. For some customers, he will probably run into some problems at first: just a liter of volume, just three cylinders, will be able to move 1.200 kg of car weight? With the first test at the wheel, we quickly forget about them. The engine is surprising and any problems go away because of the good performance and, above all, because of the many features that seem to be similar to those of modern turbo diesels, although this new three-cylinder engine uses gasoline.

In normal use, we don't notice anything special about this engine at all. Even the sound (or engine noise, whichever you like) doesn't seem all that great, although upon closer inspection we find it is a three-cylinder. The new 1.0 EcoBoost is designed primarily for more fuel-efficient driving, so the first change over previous Fords is that the engine shuts off when stopping in front of traffic lights (idling and if you don't press the clutch pedal with your foot, which is after all what manufacturers always recommend as correct).

The start-stop system works reliably and does not spoil the driver's mood by switching off too quickly. It is true, however, that at least in the beginning, the sensitive ears are disturbed by stopping the three-cylinder engine, which then draws the most attention to its design.

But such trifles cannot prevent the judgment of this Focus from ending in praise. The new engine can actually serve a good purpose by reducing fuel consumption. But here, too, the "devil" is in the details. The three-cylinder engine is only content with less fuel if it is used as diesel, so if we find the next higher gear as soon as possible. All 200 Nm of torque is available in the engine at 1.400 rpm, so it can perform well at low revs and then consume less (which is closer to the promised figures for normal consumption).

After a little practice it works quite well, so I can say that the average consumption in normal driving has stabilized at 6,5 liters per 100 km. But, of course, we have noticed fluctuations: if you are driving it, even a supercharged three-cylinder engine can take quite a lot of fuel, which also applies to the average value at the still permitted maximum speed on the highway (9,1 liters). But even if we go down to a slightly more aerodynamically clean area (about 110 km / h), the average consumption can be reduced to a good seven liters of fuel.

So it all depends on the driving style. If we know how to brake, at this time, when the state budget is waiting for us at gas stations and behind radar devices, we can significantly reduce the cost of driving a car.

However, to do this, you first need to open a wallet. The bottom line for our test Focus isn't exactly cheap. To reach the full twenty thousand, Summit Motors, a Slovenian Ford dealer, is giving you a € 3.000 discount on the catalog price right from the start. The Titanium hardware kit includes a number of useful accessories such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning and a keyless start button (a key is still needed as a remote to open the door), but if you need a little less hardware, the price would be lower.

But here is the next criticism of the pricing policy. Namely, if you want to make phone calls in the car in accordance with the rules and connect your mobile phone to the hands-free system via Bluetooth, it will cost you 1.515 euros in the tested Focus. Along with bluetooth, you still need to buy a Sony radio tape recorder with a CD and MP3 player and a navigator, with which only the navigation map of Western Europe is available, well, the USB connector is also on top.

Speaking of additional costs, I recommend every customer buy plastic safety guards that work when the door is opened from the bed in the gap between the door and the body and prevent the edge of the door from colliding with objects that would normally damage the glaze. For a hundred, we get protection that will allow you to keep the beautiful appearance of car polish without damage for a longer time.

As such, the Focus is generally a very acceptable car choice, after all, it is also the current Slovenian Car of the Year. First of all, it always surprises when used on more twisty and winding roads where only a few participants can catch up with it, as the position on the road is really excellent. It deserves a little less praise – at least for the signed one – due to slightly different bikes. Low-profile tires provide a tenth of a faster “attack” on twisty roads, but you pay a tax in tire discomfort that is less likely to reduce the frequent potholes on bad Slovenian roads.

Text: Tomaž Porekar

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost (92 kW) Titanium (5 doors)

Basic data

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 999 cm3 - maximum power 92 kW (125 hp) at 6.000 rpm - maximum torque 200 Nm at 1.400 rpm.
Energy transfer:	front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 215/50 R 17 W (Bridgestone Turanza ER300).
Capacity:	193 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,3/4,2/5,0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 114 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.200 kg - permissible gross weight 1.825 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.360 mm – width 1.825 mm – height 1.485 mm – wheelbase 2.650 mm – trunk 365–1.150 55 l – fuel tank XNUMX l.

Our measurements

T = 20 ° C / p = 1.120 mbar / rel. vl. = 38% / odometer status: 3.906 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	11,3s
402m from the city:	17,9 years ( 128 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	8,9 / 15,3s (IV/V)
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	12,0 / 16,7s (Sun./Fri.)
Maximum speed:	193km / h (WE.)
test consumption:	6,5 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	36,7m
AM table:	40m

evaluation

• The Focus is a great buy for the lower middle class, though many competitors outbid it. But only a few with automotive features.

We praise and reproach

rich equipment of the Titanium version

flexible and powerful motor

precise gearbox

excellent driving dynamics

door openers

premium pricing policy

driving comfort