Ford Focus review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

While the Mk4 Ford Focus was offered with a choice of petrol or diesel power at launch, Ford's ubiquitous 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is now the only option. It features mild-hybrid technology and comes in two power outputs, with the 123bhp and 153bhp versions capable of returning up to 52.3mpg and 54.3mpg respectively. Both emit 116g/km of CO2.

When we tested the base 123bhp EcoBoost six-speed manual model (the only version that doesn't feature mild-hybrid assistance) against a VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra, the Focus managed to achieve 44.6mpg, compared to the Golf's 44.3mpg and 47mpg we saw from the Astra.

The now-discontinued 1.5-litre 118bhp EcoBlue diesel delivers a claimed 57.6mpg on the combined WLTP test cycle and 120g/km of CO2.

The more powerful 2.3-litre ST petrol manual model achieves 35.3mpg, although CO2 emissions are much higher at 183g/km. The automatic version manages just a touch better with an average of 35.8mpg and 182g/km.

Any Focus Estate model will trail its five-door hatch slightly on emissions and fuel economy, but it remains competitive with its rivals on this front.

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Insurance groups

The most basic Ford Focus models should be fairly cheap to insure. Trend models start at group 12, while a 153bhp ST-Line version comes in at group 16. The most expensive to insure is the Focus ST, although it still sits in group 27 on the 1-50 scale.

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Depreciation

The Mk4 Focus had predicted residual values of around 42 per cent over three-years and 36,000-miles, but the introduction of the facelifted model and a stronger used market mean that owners should see an average return of around 54 per cent of their car's original list price after the 36-month period. 

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our valuation tool...