There are multiple factors to consider when buying a new or used car that will likely affect its initial price point as well as any other costs that may be incurred later in its lifetime. Fuel cost is one recurring cost that is often subject to change and is often dependent on the car and its fuel consumption, it can also have an impact on the CO2 emissions of your car so it’s an important factor to consider.
Whether you’re buying a used or new Ford Focus, being aware of the ongoing costs may have an impact on the model you choose to buy.
This guide is intended to provide an overview of the Ford Focus ST and ST-Line, with the aim being to provide an informed decision when comparing these models to other vehicles on the market.
In this guide:
Learn more about the impact that fuel consumption can have on the ongoing running costs of your new or used car.
Find out more about the fuel consumption rates for the Ford Focus ST range.
Find out more about the fuel consumption rates for the Ford Focus ST-Line range.
Learn more about the key differences between the Ford Focus ST and Ford Focus ST-Line
Fuel consumption impact on running costs
Fuel consumption makes up a large portion of the running costs for a vehicle. In most cases, it will be the largest ongoing running cost, especially for older models. The average UK household spends 14% of its total budget on fuel, totalling up to around £1,100.
The amount of fuel that a car uses, whether diesel or petrol, is known as its fuel consumption. Many different variables contribute to a given car’s fuel consumption from the design of the vehicle chassis to the size of its engine and your driving style. The more energy a vehicle can utilise from its fuel, the more fuel efficient it is.
This is then measured in terms of how far the car can travel in miles for every gallon in the tank, often written as MPG (miles per gallon). The higher the MPG, the better, as it means fewer refuelling stops and more money saved.
Ford Focus ST fuel consumption
The Ford Focus ST is a hatchback that comes with increased performance with a top speed of 155mph, as well as a sport mode. There are two options available for the engine in the form of a 2.3 litre petrol or 2.0 litre diesel engine.
The turbocharged petrol engine can be extremely thirsty when really put to the test and driven fast. However, when driven normally, it achieves an average of 34 MPG, bringing it to the same level as the UK average. This is, in part, due to the EcoBoost Ford engine technology which only injects the right amount of fuel into the engine when it is needed.
The 2.0 litre diesel ST model does manage to squeeze more out of the tank than its petrol-fuelled counterpart. This comes in at around 50 MPG which is close to 20% above the average for a modern diesel car.
Fuel consumption for Ford Focus ST-Line
The Ford Focus ST-Line is a less powerful version of the ST but still comes with all the sporty exterior trim and details. Due to the smaller engine, the ST-Line can be pushed further in terms of fuel consumption and efficiency at the cost of a top speed of 130mph compared to 150mph for the ST.
The petrol version is, again, powered by Ford’s EcoBoost petrol engine and can produce around 50-54 MPG. The much smaller 1.0 litre engine is the reason for this dramatic increase when compared to the sportier Ford Focus ST.
As can be expected, the diesel-fuelled ST-Line squeezes yet more MPG from the engine, with an official rating of 54-58 MPG for the 1.5L. and 57-60 MPG for the 2.0L versions. This makes it the most fuel-efficient of the entire new Ford Focus range, making it a popular choice.
Differences between Ford Focus ST/ST-Line
The differences between a used or new Focus ST and ST-Line in terms of MPG are clear, with a near doubling of mileage gains from the fuel that’s put into the tank, whether it’s petrol or diesel.
For those wanting the additional power and performance, then the Ford Focus ST is a reliable and easily maintained choice. However, for those who are looking to reduce fuel costs but keep the same reliability, the ST-Line will provide more value. The Ford Focus ST-Line is the best choice when it comes to fuel efficiency so if you want a Ford Focus model with lower ongoing costs, this is the car for you.
These differences are not only important for fuel economy but also for vehicle taxation. The ST-Line will incur a higher tax cost simply due to the fuel type, larger engine size and increased CO2 output, all of which are a factor when calculating standing vehicle tax.
In summary
As we have already mentioned, fuel cost is the most significant of all the standing costs of a vehicle over the course of its lifetime. As the car depreciates over time, the efficiency of its engine will reduce.
By buying a car with an efficient engine, that depreciation will be mitigated and the value gained from owning a vehicle that can travel further for less will be maintained. This means that initial cost benefit calculations from fuel savings will stay true for longer when factoring in time and use wearing the engine out.
To talk to our team of experts about your options when it comes to the Ford Focus ST and ST-Line or to find your nearest TC Harrison Ford dealer, please contact us today.