Ford has just released the official EPA fuel economy estimates for the new 2012 Focus sedan and hatchback models. Though the company had already brought us the numbers for the most fuel-efficient Focus trim level, the SFE (or super fuel economy) version, today’s set rounds out the car’s scorecard. Considering that the SFE model will make up only a minority of sales, these numbers are what the bulk of consumers will see on their Focus order sheets.
Ratings for the sedan and hatchback are the same—a tough accomplishment, as sedan bodystyles generally lend themselves to more consumption-friendly aerodynamics. Focuses equipped with the five-speed manual transmission return 26 mpg city/36 highway, and those with Ford’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic are rated at 28 mpg city/38 highway. As a refresher, Focuses with the $495 SFE pack are rated at 28/40.
These numbers compare favorably to those of the Focus’s key competitors. Chevrolet Cruze models powered by the top-spec 1.4-liter turbocharged engine manage 24 city/36 highway mpg with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, while the fuel-saving Cruze Eco—Chevy’s equivalent of the Focus SFE—is rated as high as 28 city/42 highway with a six-speed stick. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra bests the Focus by a moderate margin, with ratings of 29 mpg city/40 highway regardless of transmission.
While our lead-footed driving precluded us from scoring anywhere close to 38 mpg when we tested a Focus, we were fond of the car. Check out our road test here.
