Published on: 29 December 2009 www.autozine.co.uk

Ford Focus ECOnetic

Eco-fun
Why does anyone buy a Ford Focus? Of course, the car looks good, offers ample space and has a fair price. But the Focus mainly differs from its rivals with its handling. Even though the current generation has been on the market since 2004, when it comes to roadholding the Focus is still top in its class. Now the Focus also comes as an extra clean, extra efficient "ECOnetic" version. That sounds like a promising combination.
There has been another Focus ECOnetic before. However, technological innovation never stops and Ford found a way to make a new and even more economic version. The car maker also seems to have listened to criticism on the previous generation. Earlier ECOnetic cars felt more like an obligation than a chance. So far Ford has tried to change as little as possible to offer an eco-model.

ECOnetic

For this second generation of the Focus ECOnetic things are completely different. Of course, aerodynamics have again been improved by a closed grille and lowered suspension. And yet again the tyres have a lower rolling resistance and instead of light alloy wheels Ford chose hub caps which allow for better airflow. The engine management of the 1.6 litre four-cylinder diesel engine has been tuned to save fuel, rather than to improve performance. The first and second gear are equal to those of any other Focus, so the car comes quickly off the line. The higher gears now have longer ratios. In that way the car feels more pleasant at low revs and the driver will alter their driving style automatically. During this test it was hardly ever needed to do more than 2,000 revs per minute! The downside of these altered gear ratios is that accelerating when already at speed is noticeably slower.

Micro Hybrid

The big news of the second generation of the Focus ECOnetic is called "micro hybrid". This means that energy that would normally go to waste while braking or releasing the throttle, is now converted into electricity. This free electricity is stored to later power various electrical parts and thus relieve the engine. The Focus ECOnetic has also been fitted with a start/stop-system. When the car comes to a stop and the gear lever is put into neutral position, the engine is turned off. As soon as the clutch is depressed, the engine starts automatically using the "free" power generated earlier. This takes up so little time (0.3 seconds) that it is never disturbing and doesn't require any special skills or actions from the driver. Ford installed a second battery, which prevents the radio from stalling or the headlights from flashing while repeatedly starting and stopping the engine. The air conditioning is a mechanical part, so it will stop working when the engine does.

Fuel economy

Thanks to all these alterations the Focus ECOnetic is completely up to date and offers all eco-friendly technology the competition also offers in their green cars. The Focus goes one step beyond by actively encouraging the driver to save fuel.
That starts with a shift indicator that shows the most economical moment to engage the next gear. Regretably this indicator doesn't hint when it is time to shift down and that's a real miss, because sometimes it is more economical to drive in a lower gear. The on-board computer shows the current and average fuel consumption, but also keeps score of the driving style! Three flowers in the display show how well the driver anticipates, shifts gears and maintains a constant speed. The more efficient the driver, the more petals grow on the flowers. In real life this isn't belittling at all, but a nice incentive. Thanks to the encouragement of the computer, during this test a fuel average of 4.0 litres per 100 km (70 mpg) was realized.
existing car more fuel efficient and slapped an "ECOnetic" label on it without any real effort. But this second generation proves Ford can do much better. The electronics actively encourage the driver to save fuel. This is why this car isn't just frugal on paper, but also in real life. Also, the technology is much more advanced than before, making the Focus significantly more efficient. All changes do not affect the Focus's performance or handling. This is why the Ford Focus ECOnetic doesn't merely offer fun to drive, but even eco-fun!

Performace

Driving that economically does require a lot of self control, because just like any other Ford Focus this ECOnetic is a joy to drive. Even this eco-car feels right at home on the demanding roads in the south of France. The 1.6 litre diesel engine develops 109 PS / 240 Nm and that is more than enough for fair performance. There's even a lot of reserve power to fully enjoy a twisty, mountain route! When giving in to the seduction of the roads, the fuel consumption can temporarily increase to 8 litres per 100 km (35 mpg). Even after a full day of enjoying the "Route de Coursegoules", the average trip computer displayed a modest 5.6 litre per 100 km (50 mpg).

The eco-tyres do not affect roadholding. Just like any other Focus this ECOnetic offers an excellent balance between comfort and handling. And that is what makes this Focus ECOnetic a special car. This green car isn't just friendly to the environment, it is also a joy to drive.

Conclusion

Until recently a Ford "ECOnetic" model felt more like an obligation than a chance to improve the world or save the environment. Ford changed as little as possible to make an

Specifications

Ford Focus ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic

Size and weight

Length Width Height Wheelbase Kerb weight Trailer Trailer - braked Fuel capacity Luggage space 434 cm 184 cm 145 cm 264 cm 1357 kg 675 kg 1300 kg 55 l 396/1258 l

Engine and performance

Capacity Cylinders / valves Max power Max torque Drive Acceleration 0 - 62 mph Top speed Average mileage Mileage urban Mileage extra urban CO2 emissions 1560 cc 4/bhp @ 4000 rpm 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm voorwielen 10.9 secs 191 km/h 3.8 l / 100 km 4.5 l / 100 km 3.4 l / 100 km 99 gr / km
Price Price base model 19,995 11,510

WIN A FORD FOCUS T&Cs
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Promoter and Data Controller is BP Oil UK Limited, Witan Gate House, 500-600 Witan Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 1ES. Any personal data supplied in connection with this promotion will only be used for the purposes of this promotion. This will include providing details (name and county of residence) of major prize winners to any person who requests such information. Promotion (distribution of scratch cards) runs from 6th October to 2nd November 2009 inclusive or earlier if scratch cards are exhausted. This promotion is open to all residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years and over. To participate, every time you purchase 20 litres or more of of BP Ultimate at a participating BP filling station during the promotion period (a qualifying purchase), you will be issued with a scratch card in store whilst stocks last. The scratch card will contain a unique number which serves as an access code for the online game located at www.bpultimate.co.uk/fuelchallenge. Only one entry per unique code is permitted. Online game runs until 9th November 2009. Prizes are awarded via the online game. All prizes have been pre-allocated and linked to lucky winning moments which have been randomly pre-selected via a secure, independently verified computer based programme. Winners of the online game will be immediately notified on screen on completion of the game. Winners must enter their personal details on screen and will receive written confirmation of their prizes within 14 days of the end of the online game. Prizes on offer in this promotion are: 4 x New Ford Focus ECOnetic 1000 x x 10 Ford Focus ECOnetic on offer as a prize in this promotion will be a Ford Focus ECOnetic 3dr in Vision Blue. Each Vehicle will be standard and come with 12 months VED and fitted with optional alloy wheels. No factory fit options will be available. Collection of one of the new Ford Focus ECOnetic prize is subject to manufacturer's delivery times and the winner providing proof of driving licence and adequate insurance cover. Arrangements for collection of the Vehicles will be specified in the letter to the winners and may entail the winner attending a designated location. Exact delivery date will be confirmed with each winner. Prizes that are unable to be collected for whatever reason will be deemed void. The 1000 x 25 and 1000 x 10 cash prizes will take the form of personal cheques made out to the winner (as the name appears in the details entered online at the time of winning). Cheques will be issued from Orckid Design and Marketing Ltd on behalf of the Promoter, and will be sent by standard post within 28 days of the promotion ending. The prizes are non-transferable and there are no prize alternatives available, in whole or in part. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Promoter reserves the right to offer alternative prizes of equal or greater value. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Promoter, the prizes will only be awarded directly to the winners. There are no cash alternatives to any of the non cash prizes. Promoter does not accept responsibility for (1) any technical or access issue, failure, malfunction or difficulty that might hinder the ability of any person to participate in this promotion or (2) any event which may cause the promotion to be disrupted or corrupted. Scratch cards are and shall remain the property of the Promoter. Scratch cards sent to the Promoter or its agents will not be returned. No purchase necessary applicable to Northern Ireland participants only. To enter the promotion without making a qualifying purchase, simply send a stamped addressed envelope to BP Win a Ford Focus NPN Application, BP Oil UK Ltd, Fuels Marketing, Witan Gate House, Witan Gate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1ES to arrive before 2nd November 2009. Entries after this date will not be processed. Entries received before this date will have a scratch card returned to sender within stamped address envelope provided. Only one NPN entry per application. For details (name and county of residence) of the winners, please send a stamped and self addressed envelope marked Winners to BP Win a Ford Focus Promotion, BP Oil UK Ltd, Fuels Marketing, Witan Gate House, Witan Gate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1ES by 2nd May 2010. Winners agree to take part, at the Promoters request and expense, in any relevant publicity. In the case of the winners of the Ford ECOnetics this may include participation in publicity organised by Ford Motor Company Limited and the winners agree that any photographs taken in this regard may be utilised by the Promoter and Ford Motor Company Limited. Employees of the Promoter and their associated companies, dealers, agents, contractors, subcontractors and relations may only participate in this promotion when making a personal qualifying purchase. This Promotion is not open to any employees and their families of the Promoter or any subsidiary, third party company or agency directly connected with the creation and administration of this promotion. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the eligibility of entrants. The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw or cancel this promotion at any stage in the event of exceptional circumstances beyond its control. Acceptance of these terms and conditions is a condition of entry. The Promoters decision is binding and final on all matters relating to this Promotion and no correspondence will be entered into.