Focus 1-litre EcoBoost smashes speed records

The highly fuel efficient new Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost which arrives in Ireland in July has this week proved its surprising performance by setting 16 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) speed world records over distances ranging from 1km (0.6 miles) to 4,104.7km (2,550.5 miles).

Drivers including World Rally Championships star Jari-Matti Latvala set the records at the CERAM test circuit in Mortefontaine, France, over a two-day period. Latvala and eight journalists from France and the U.S. drove three Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost cars identical to those sold in Ford dealerships throughout Europe.

“This little engine punches way above its weight when it comes to performance,” said Latvala, whose regular ride is a 304 PS Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car.

“The records prove the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost can be lots of fun – as well as a very frugal car.”

The three Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost models set the “sub-1.0-litre class” world records for times recorded covering both 1km and 1 mile from a standing start and a flying start; and for highest average speeds recorded over distances ranging from 10km (6.21 miles) to 4,104.7km (2,550.5  miles). The cars also set highest average speed records over timed sessions lasting one, six, 12 and 24 hours.

The highest average speed recorded was 191.056km/h (118.716mph) during the setting of the world record for the highest average speed over one hour. 

The 125 PS Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost is capable of 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 193km/h (120mph). It delivers fuel efficiency of 5.0 l/100km (56.5mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 114g/km.

A 100 PS version of the 1.0-litre engine delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency of 4.8 l/100km (58.9mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 109g/km.