Five days behind the wheel of Ford Focus ST-Line . One of the best chassis in the segment joins one of the most awarded engines ever. It's impossible to go wrong when this binomial comes together, Ford Focus and Ecoboost engine — whether in access versions (Titanium) or more equipped versions (Vignale and ST-Line X).
That said, I was looking forward to trying this Ford Focus ST-Line 1.0 Ecoboost, now with 155 hp. That's another 1200 euros for another 30 hp of power, is it worth it?
Engines don't measure in hands
If you still have mixed feelings about modern three-cylinder engines, it might be worth reading this Ledger Automobile article.
But talking about the concrete case of the 1.0 Ecoboost block by Ford, it is very difficult to point out its defects, whether in the 125 or 155 hp version. The way it ramps up and the readiness with which it transports us to speeds above the legal limit are not (at all) that of a small engine.
The traditional 0-100 km/h acceleration is achieved in just 9.1 seconds. The maximum speed is 211 km/h. In the case of the 125 hp version, the numbers are still nice for those who like to drive: 10.1 seconds from 0-100 km/h and 201 km/h of top speed.
1200 euros difference. Does it pay?
For those who like to drive, it's worth it. The Ford Focus chassis adjustment invites you to enjoy the curves and counter-curves of some Portuguese roads.
Swipe the image gallery:
The 125 hp version is undoubtedly more rational. But the additional 30hp and 20Nm makes the difference when exploring everything that the Focus chassis has to offer since the first generation launched in the late 90s.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Regarding consumption, well… it is difficult to find differences. I've driven both and found no differences worthy of note, as the consumption and emission figures announced by the brands confirm: 5.2 l/100 km on a mixed circuit for the two versions, and CO₂ emissions of 117 and 118 g/ km (with an advantage of 1 gr/km for the less powerful version). In real conditions, expect values closer to 6 l/100 km.
If you are not part of that group that likes stronger emotions, buy the 125 hp version. For everyone else (like me) who likes to detour on back roads, opt for the 155 hp version of the 1.0 Ecoboost engine.