Skip advert
Advertisement

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
RRP
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. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland

If you still think Germans don’t have a sense of humour, you haven’t driven their finest performance cars. You’d be grinning from ear to ear
18 Apr 2025