Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus Shoot-out: Petrol vs Diesel

EcoBoost petrol is the star of the line-up –but flagship diesel is better for torque, economy and emissions.

The Ford Focus has been a near-constant presence at the top of the UK sales charts ever since it burst on to the scene in 1998. And the latest model looks set to continue that trend. But with five engines to choose from, picking the right one isn’t easy.

We’ve already tested the 1.6-litre TDCi model (Issue 1,149), and it came up short against the Volkswagen Golf. So here we try the flagship diesel version: the 2.0-litre TDCi. To identify the 

Advertisement - Article continues below

best variant in the range, we’ve pitched it against the impressive 1.6-litre EcoBoost. 

The new Focus isn’t as bold as the original, but it still cuts a dash in the family car sector. Its trapezoidal grille and distinctive headlamps provide the familiar Ford look, and the £400 optional 18-inch alloys fitted to our two test cars add a sporty touch.

Inside, the dash layout is inspired by the C-MAX MPV, with plenty of high-quality plastics and clear instrumentation. It doesn’t feel as impressively screwed together as a Golf, but looks fresh and modern. 

Big-car features on Titanium-spec models include ambient LED lighting, voice controls and dual-zone climate control, which all reinforce the feeling of quality. There’s plenty of space, front and rear, but the small 316-litre boot is below the class benchmark. Our red 2.0 TDCi test car was fitted with Ford’s optional sat-nav system (£550), which works brilliantly. However, choosing 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X1

2019 BMW

X1

44,932 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £15,490
View X1
Range Rover

2025 Land Rover

Range Rover

45,959 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £73,750
View Range Rover

the useful add-on means you lose the great-sounding Sony- branded stereo that comes as standard in Titanium trim. 

The Driver Assistance and Convenience Pack includes Active City Stop to help reduce the impact of low-speed shunts, plus Lane Departure Warning to improve motorway safety. There’s also Traffic Sign Recognition to keep you informed of speed limits, as well as auto high beam, Blind Spot Monitoring and Active Park Assist. You won’t find this sort of technology in many 

Advertisement - Article continues below

cars in the family sector.

On the road, the petrol model gets off to a good start, using its 10bhp power advantage to sprint from 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds – six-tenths faster than the diesel. In our in-gear tests, our duo were more evenly matched. While the oil-burner has a higher torque output (320Nm versus 240Nm), the new EcoBoost engine delivers maximum thrust lower in the range, at 1,600rpm, so both cars provide decent overtaking pace.  

The power delivery in the EcoBoost is very linear, and it pulls strongly across the rev range. However, without the customary increase in intensity you normally get in a petrol machine as you accelerate, it actually feels slower from behind the wheel. As a result, the TDCi is more relaxing to drive at speed. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Both models are well insulated from engine noise, but at low speeds, the petrol version is undoubtedly the quieter choice. On the motorway, there’s nothing to separate the two – the cars registered the same 70dB reading on our noise meter at 70mph. The difference is more obvious on tight and twisty B-roads. With less weight over the front axle than the diesel, the EcoBoost is much keener to turn in, and feels more agile and nimble. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Lift off the throttle mid-corner in the 1.6-litre car, and the nose tucks in neatly. Do the same in the diesel, and the effects are less pronounced. 

Both provide rewarding dynamics, though, and ride comfort is good considering the large-diameter rims fitted to each of our cars. When it comes to emissions, the diesel has the edge. It delivers 120g/km – that’s 10g/km less than the EcoBoost. 

This secures the TDCi a slim £20 advantage on road tax, although it’s a more expensive choice for business users. 

Predictably, the oil-burner won the battle at the pumps, returning 41.1mpg. However, the petrol version came closest to matching its official figure – it missed out by only 11.2mpg, with a 35.9mpg return. 

The TDCi was 15.4mpg behind its combined claims and, as diesel costs more than unleaded at the forecourt, the financial differences in day-to-day running aren’t as wide as you’d expect.

You also have to consider the £995 premium that the oil-burning model commands over its petrol cousin. This blurs the boundaries even further, as we decide how this finely balanced contest will finish.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: EcoBoost petrol is the star of the line-up –but flagship diesel is better for torque, economy and emissions.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £13,000
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,241 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025