Mild hybrid the trend

Small motor but big power boost model now available in the Ford Focus

Not that many years ago car makers were fitting smallish engines to their models to cut back on fuel and emissions, but adding a turbocharger to produce power when it was needed.

The new trend appears to be called the ‘mild hybrid’ — an even smaller engine, but with some electric power for that extra boost. Ford has already used this concept on the Puma, and now it is available on the excellent Focus.

I drove the Ford Focus Active Mild Hybrid from Fairview Motors and it is hard to comprehend the small motor is actually a one litre, three-cylinder petrol EcoBoost engine matched to a seven speed transmission.

The reason it is hard to comprehend is the 114kW of power and 190Nm of torque on tap.

The cleverness of the 48 volt power booster/petrol saver is amazing.

Instead of a conventional alternator, the Focus has an integrated starter/generator linked to batteries under the front seats.

The batteries are charged when the car is braking or coasting and are used to run the car’s electrics and provide extra torque when needed.

So it isn’t a hybrid in the sense that the petrol engine is also charging a battery pack, or that it can run on electric only, but it does reduce fuel consumption to a claimed 5.1l/100km and CO2 emissions of 119g/km. It does require 95 octane fuel, but a 50 litre tankful should be good for somewhere approaching 1000km.

Another advantage is the feel. The lightweight engine up front makes an already great car even better. The extra weight is centred and low, so it sticks to the road like glue.

And it sounds good thanks to a sports tuned exhaust — not something you would normally associate with a 1-litre car, but perfectly acceptable on the Focus.

The interior updates include the large 13” screen with a full suite of connectivity and controls.

It has the Ford Pass system, which lets you control many aspects of the vehicle from the app on your phone, plus a built in modem so the car can be updated over the internet.

A bunch of new safety features are incorporated — the car’s ‘eyes’ are looking ahead and behind and assisting the driver to stay safe and focused.

These new systems include Blind Spot assist, Intersection assist and Local Hazard Information (which can warn drivers of hazardous situations on the road ahead).

These work alongside Adaptive Cruise Control, with Stop and Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring. PreCollision Assist with Active Braking helps drivers avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The handsome exterior features new lighting concepts and updated grille and the Focus runs on a decent set of 17” alloys with a good amount of rubber.

Ford’s Focus has always been a good performer — a benchmark it would seem in the European market. Adding electricity only makes it better.

The new Ford Focus Active Mild Hybrid is available to test drive now from Fairview Motors.