Is the new Focus equipped with a three-cylinder engine?
5 Answers
The new Focus is equipped with a three-cylinder engine. This model offers two powertrain options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5T turbocharged engine, both of which are three-cylinder engines. Compared to four-cylinder engines, three-cylinder engines have one less cylinder, resulting in a reduced engine displacement. Three-cylinder engines are more compact and consume less fuel during operation. The Focus is a Ford A-segment family car, first introduced by Ford at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, and is one of the flagship models of Ford Europe.
As an owner of the new Focus, I just picked up the 1.5T version last year and confirmed that the entire lineup is equipped with three-cylinder engines. Initially, I was concerned about vibration issues, but during actual driving, I found Ford's tuning to be quite well-done. On the highway, tire noise is much more noticeable than the engine sound, and my daily urban commute fuel consumption is only around 7.2L, with a refueling frequency even lower than my colleague's Sylphy. The steering wheel's precision is particularly impressive, and the suspension support during cornering is surprisingly good. What really won me over is the chassis quality—it handles speed bumps with two crisp thuds. Of course, there's a slight vibration for half a second during cold starts, but it basically disappears after the engine warms up. If you have requirements for handling, this powertrain combination is actually quite sufficient.
I've studied the powertrain of the Focus, and the new model indeed insists on using a three-cylinder engine. The 1.5T version's 174 horsepower output is quite impressive in the A-segment car category, and the dual injection technology significantly improves fuel efficiency. The key lies in the crankshaft offset design and the application of balance shafts, which effectively counteract most vibrations. Having driven my friend's 2022 model, the acceleration is immediate when you floor the throttle, and the 8AT shifts without any jerkiness. However, the potential aging of engine mounts in three-cylinder engines over long-term use is something to watch out for, and it's recommended to inspect them every two years. Compared to its peers, the Focus's chassis tuning and steering feel are noticeably more sporty, making it ideal for those who enjoy driving pleasure.
Those who follow the car market may have noticed that the Focus has been equipped with three-cylinder engines across the entire lineup since its 2019 model year update. This choice was primarily made to comply with emission regulations, with the 1.5L naturally aspirated version achieving a city fuel consumption of 6.8L. During a test drive last year, particular attention was paid to the vibration issue, and it was found that the feedback through the steering wheel and seats was significantly weaker compared to the older four-cylinder models. However, the used car market still shows relatively low acceptance of three-cylinder engines, with a three-year-old Focus retaining about 15% less residual value than a comparable Civic. It's advisable to test drive and compare thoroughly before purchasing—the difference in driving experience compared to four-cylinder engines is smaller than one might expect, but the long-term maintenance costs should be carefully considered in advance.
The latest Focus models indeed all come with three-cylinder configurations, no doubt about it. Having driven the 1.5T version for two weeks, the biggest surprise was the rapid gear shifting response in Sport mode, with ample suspension support during mountain road cornering. The three-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque at just 1500 rpm, making overtaking quite crisp. Of course, consumer concerns mainly focus on two points: first, the engine noise is noticeably louder than four-cylinder engines, especially during rapid acceleration; second, its stability after five years remains to be verified. Personally, I'd say it's perfectly adequate for city commuting, but if you frequently take long trips, carrying a bottle of fuel additive to prevent carbon buildup would be more prudent.
