Ford Focus 1.6L Ecoboost Option

XR4568 · 09-09-2013, 11:18 PM

Guys (and girls),

Now I am sure I'm not the only one, but is it just me or is everyone else keen to see a 1.6L Ecoboost and 6-speed manual option in the range?

The Focus Sport is only 'sport' by name (and maybe suspension tune). With the Focus ST at 38k and the Sport at 26k, there is a massive price different and an obvious product gap that could be filled with the Fiesta ST driveline. This car could take on SP25 and on power turns, Cruze SRi. Low 30's price point.

With Ford Oz new found commitment to technology and becoming an importer only, has anyone heard when Ecoboost will be an option in Focus? Is the issue simply Ford Thailand don't get the engine as yet?

Presumably it will be when the Focus is refreshed. I've asked Ford OZ but get the token response.

Anyone know anything further?

kevino · 10-09-2013, 05:43 PM

100% agree this would be a brilliant car, but it has to better than low 30, s to compete with Cruze...which has a similar motor but is priced mid 20,s.
I read something somewhere about 6 speed manuals being available on Focus in early 2014.

pajoda · 10-09-2013, 07:00 PM

Yeah, sounds feasible, and a good option, and might be a marketing gap they can take advantage of. Might be plenty of behind the scenes issues that will hinder this but only Ford can make this call.

XR4568 · 10-09-2013, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

100% agree this would be a brilliant car, but it has to better than low 30, s to compete with Cruze...which has a similar motor but is priced mid 20,s.
I read something somewhere about 6 speed manuals being available on Focus in early 2014.

Whilst a lower price point would be ideal, I don't think it is realistic given it is an expensive motor to produce. Plus, presumably the refeshed model will have improved quality levels/refinements (notably the interior) and will be pitched as a more premium model over the somewhat amdirable but ultimately crude Cruze. It's direct competitor is SP25 and Highline Golf.

This just makes so much sense to me. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Do it now, Ford!

XR4568 · 10-09-2013, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pajoda

Yeah, sounds feasible, and a good option, and might be a marketing gap they can take advantage of. Might be plenty of behind the scenes issues that will hinder this but only Ford can make this call.

Could be on to something there. I reckon the main factors (not necessarily in this order) are getting competitive pricing, the production switch from 1.6 to the 1.5 version and waiting for the Focus refresh....whenever that is. Presumably sometime in 2014.

rand0mn00b · 10-09-2013, 07:59 PM

don't forget the new Pulsar SSS/ST-S!

I guess the performance of the diesel helps fill the gap somewhat...

XR4568 · 10-09-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rand0mn00b

don't forget the new Pulsar SSS/ST-S!

I guess the performance of the diesel helps fill the gap somewhat...

Only in the general markets eyes. The car enthusiast sees right through the lameness and blandness of the SSS. Only semi-decent bit is the engine. Rest is junk

DeKa · 11-09-2013, 03:43 PM

I've been emailing Ford about this since it was first announced that the AU spec would be 2L GDI.

They always reply that there is no plans to import a 1.6 Ecoboost but they will review this based on demand. The last time I emailed them was when the Kuga with 1.6 Ecoboost was launched.

I suggest you all start filling out the contact form on Ford's site so they see some demand.

XR4568 · 11-09-2013, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeKa

I've been emailing Ford about this since it was first announced that the AU spec would be 2L GDI.

They always reply that there is no plans to import a 1.6 Ecoboost but they will review this based on demand. The last time I emailed them was when the Kuga with 1.6 Ecoboost was launched.

I suggest you all start filling out the contact form on Ford's site so they see some demand.

Good stuff DeKa! I'm hit them up on Facebook before, but might go attack their form too. If I was an IT nerd, I'd write a script to continually hit the form too

Open your eyes and find a way to do it Ford OZ!

XR Martin · 12-09-2013, 10:00 PM

Been brought up before... trouble is the Ecoboost is not available in anything built out of Thailand.
So its really beyond Ford OZs control.

XR4568 · 12-09-2013, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Been brought up before... trouble is the Ecoboost is not available in anything built out of Thailand.
So its really beyond Ford OZs control.

Hopefully with Ford Thailand now getting the 1.0l Ecoboost, the 1.5l Ecoboost is a matter of when, not if.