How Many Cylinders Does the Focus Engine Have?
4 Answers
Focus is equipped with a 3-cylinder engine, with 4 valves per cylinder. The working principle of an automobile cylinder is to guide the piston to perform linear reciprocating motion within the cylinder. In the engine cylinder, air converts thermal energy into mechanical energy through expansion; in the compressor cylinder, gas is compressed by the piston to increase pressure, thereby providing a power source. Below is an introduction to the classification of cylinders: 1. Single-acting cylinder: Only one end has a piston rod. Air is supplied from one side of the piston to generate pressure, which pushes the piston to extend and produce thrust, and returns via spring or self-weight. 2. Double-acting cylinder: Air is alternately supplied from both sides of the piston, outputting force in one or two directions. 3. Diaphragm cylinder: Uses a diaphragm instead of a piston, outputting force in only one direction and resetting via spring. It has good sealing performance but a short stroke. 4. Impact cylinder: This is a new type of component. It converts the pressure energy of compressed gas into the kinetic energy of the piston's high-speed (10~20 meters/second) movement to perform work. The impact cylinder adds a middle cover with a nozzle and a drain port.
Recently, many new car owners have been asking about this at 4S dealerships. The new-generation Focus now primarily uses a 1.5T three-cylinder engine, having fully transitioned to three-cylinder configurations since 2019. However, there are significant differences with older models – pre-2016 classic Focus models mostly came with 1.6L and 2.0L four-cylinder engines. To confirm your engine type, the most reliable methods are opening the hood to count the cylinder wires or directly checking the model code on the vehicle identification plate. Three-cylinder engines do show slightly more noticeable vibrations during stop-start at traffic lights, but they offer about 10% better fuel efficiency compared to older four-cylinder versions. For used Focus buyers, it's advisable to verify the production year and identification plate details before purchasing.
Last year, I researched the Focus engine when modifying my car. The current Focus mainly offers two options: a 1.0T three-cylinder and a 1.5T three-cylinder. However, I heard that the latest 2024 model is returning to a four-cylinder configuration. The bore and stroke design of the three-cylinder engine is quite unique, achieving a fuel consumption of just over 5L at 80 km/h cruising speed. The vertically arranged ignition coils on the engine cover are particularly noticeable, with three wiring harnesses lined up side by side for the three-cylinder engine. Old car enthusiasts might remember the 2.0L four-cylinder engine from the 2012 generation, where the four high-voltage coils in the engine bay were neatly arranged in a row.
I drove my friend's three-cylinder Focus, and it's sufficient for overtaking in the city. The currently available models are mostly equipped with inline three-cylinder engines featuring turbocharging technology, which are 20% smaller in size compared to traditional four-cylinder engines. However, you need to be mindful of the aging engine mounts, as the vibrations from the three-cylinder engine can be more noticeably transmitted to the steering wheel. My family's old 2005 Focus has an inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, and you can still hear the 'hum' of the intake when stepping on the accelerator.
