Ford has updated the Focus ECOnetic five-door for 2010. Various measures have been employed to boost economy, including the company's first automatic engine stop-start system. The result is 74.2mpg and 99g/km CO
2 emissions for the Auto-Start-Stop model. Without Start-Stop the emissions increase to 104g/km and consumption is 70.6mpg.
Available as an option, the Auto-Start-Stop system was first seen on the iosisMAX Concept at this year's
Geneva Motor Show. As with other similar systems it enables the engine to shut down and automatically restart, saving fuel that would otherwise be wasted. Ford claims that its system has been designed to provide consistent stopping and starting with a smooth, seamless action. Restarting the engine takes about 0.3 seconds and is initiated when the driver presses either the clutch or accelerator. To cope with the extra loads the starter motor is stronger and the mechanism is designed for a quieter operation.
Although Auto-Start-Stop is optional other details have been amended in the name of fuel saving. The alternator is part of a smart recharging system that increases alternator output when decelerating - allowing kinetic energy from forward motion to be converted into electricity. The alternator has a redesigned mounting - part of what Ford describes as Low Tension FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive - including the alternator, air-conditioning compressor and other ancillaries). By running the drive belt at a lower tension less power is consumed driving the accessories. It is claimed that this has been done without increasing wear or noise from belt.
Other technical details include recalibrated engine management, revised gear ratios and low-drag aerodynamics. To encourage frugal driving there is the Ford Eco Mode system, which monitors and scores the driving style, giving feedback on how to save fuel.
For the first time Ford is offering the ECOnetic in estate form as well as five-door hatchback. There is also the option of an 89bhp version of the 1.6-litre TDCi engine as a lower-cost alternative to the 107bhp motor. No prices have been released as yet; expect these to be announced before the new Focus goes on sale early next year.
John Lambert - 17 Sep 2009