ALTHOUGH EcoBoost might sound like a setting for a washing machine, when it's attached to a Ford Focus it serves up a big helping of fun with a side order of environmental responsibility. With either 148bhp or 178bhp on tap from its 1.6-litre petrol engine, the Focus EcoBoost is punchy enough yet still returns excellent economy.
Unless they're powering a sports model, petrol engines aren't getting much of a reception from British buyers looking for a family hatchback. Ford has been as responsible for this as anyone, thanks to its excellent range of TDCi diesels, but now it has delivered an in-house riposte in the form of this 1.6-litre petrol engines. The 148bhp EcoBoost version is a respectable performer, getting to 60mph in just 8.3 seconds and topping out at 130mph. However, The star turn is the 178bhp, with a timing of 7.5 seconds and accelerating until it reaches 138mph.
The Ecoboost models haven't been given a rock hard suspension setup, which means that comfort and refinement are excellent. Drop into the driver's seat and you'll initially notice that it's lower set than in the previous car, while the sharply raked windscreen pillars are bulkier than is ideal. One thing both engines have in common is a torque vectoring system, which nips at the brake of the inside front wheel as you turn into a corner, helping to reduce understeer. The electric power steering system is very quick and accurate, though it trades a little something in ultimate feedback. Weighing 128kg less than a 2.0-litre diesel model, you'll feel how keen the Ecoboost is to turn into a corner and hang on to its line.
Ford hasn't gone out of its way to visually differentiate the Ecoboost models. They adhere to Ford's standard trim system, offered in either Titanium or Titanium X guises. Like all Focus models, they get a front end that looks a good deal more aggressive than that of its rather low-key predecessor, with gaping triangular front air intakes that look as if they should be gracing an RS model. Closer inspection reveals them to be mere plastic blanking plates but between them is what Ford dubs its dynamic shutter grille which can close at speed to improve aerodynamics. The rear lights are an intricate design that integrate with the fuel filler cap on the right side of the car. These also contrast with the less-extrovert rear window treatment. The estate is extremely well proportioned, with a mini-Mondeo silhouette.
The 1.6-litre Ecoboost models marry strong performance and fine efficiency, proving there's life in the petrol engine yet. Ford has used three key technologies to make these engines work their magic: a centrally mounted high-pressure direct injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT). The 148bhp or 178bhp engines offer plenty of get up and go yet return almost diesel-like economy and emissions.
There's a price to be paid, of course – Ecoboost models aren't cheap. However, once the dotted line is signed, ongoing costs will be relatively modest. Whether British buyers can be teased out of their diesel family hatches is debatable – but in this Ford has built a car that shows the way forward for the petrol engine.
