Ford Focus EcoBoost Hybrid makes debut

Ford has introduced a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the Focus hatch and wagon in Europe and it's claimed to improve performance and slash fuel use compared to the engine it replaces.

Ford claims the new Focus powertrain option, dubbed 'EcoBoost Hybrid' and based on the peppy 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine not available here, combines a 114kW output with 17 per cent fuel consumption compared with the 110kW 1.5-litre EcoBoost it replaces.

A cheaper, lower-output 92kW version of the same 1.0-litre electrified engine is also available in Europe, although it is no more efficient, averaging the same 5.1L/100km.

Adopting tech first launched in the core Fiesta range in Europe, the Focus packages its 48-volt battery beneath the front passenger seat, so it doesn't intrude on cabin or boot space.

Recovering energy during deceleration or braking, the Ford mild-hybrid set-up uses a belt-driven starter to assist the engine during acceleration, providing up to 24Nm of extra torque.

The same belt-driven generator also assists the idle-stop system and allows the small hatch to coast from speeds below 26km/h.

As well as the two new mild-hybrid engines, range-topping Focus models are now also available in Europe with a new 12.3-inch full digital instrument panel for the first time.

Since the streamlined Focus range to be available in Australia from December only includes the 134kW 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and just two hatch models, it's unlikely we'll see the new 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains Down Under any time soon.

However, the new digital instrument cluster could eventually migrate to the remaining Focus ST, ST-Line and Active models.