1.0-litre EcoBoost now 30% of Focus sales

Here’s a sign that downsizing done right can impress customers as well as CO2 regulators – during the B-Max launch, Ford revealed that the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is now taking 30% of all Focus sales.

This might not sound all that exceptional, but think about it: this time last year could you seriously imagine people considering a mainstream family hatchback powered by a three cylinder engine – let alone one of such diminutive capacity?

First Drive Review: Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost (2012 onwards)

First Drive Review: Ford Focus EcoBoost Superchips (2012 onwards)

The trick, it seems, has been encouraging punters to get into showrooms and try the car. Reportedly, 80% of those who took a test drive and then went on to buy a Focus opted for the EcoBoost.

No doubt this was helped by the small price reduction Ford was offering as a part of this package, but it seems even more likely that the sheer surprise and delight of the engine itself has done wonders for the conversion rate.

The turbo makes the wee thing remarkably gutsy, and it sounds good, too. But with just the three cylinders and a footprint roughly equivalent to an A4 piece of paper, the weight it shaves off the front end helps, too.

As a result, the EcoBoost is the most fun you can have in a modern Focus that doesn’t say ST on the back. The same applies to the brand new B-Max we’ve just driven – great with the 1.6-litre diesel, brilliant with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost.

The promise of 50mpg+ from a petrol is another incentive. Drive it like it wants to be driven, however, and you’ll probably never see this. But then, you also probably won’t care.

Either way, given this kind tangible sales success, we can’t wait to see how other carmakers respond. The Volkswagen Blue GT is an interesting place to start…

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost: frugal and fun?

First Drive Review: Ford B-Max

First Drive Review: Volkswagen Polo Blue GT (2012 onwards)

First Drive Review: Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost (2012 onwards)

First Drive Review: Ford Focus EcoBoost Superchips (2012 onwards)