Ford to Offer 3-Cylinder Engine in U.S. Focus Models

Ford Motor Co. will expand availability of its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine in the U.S. to its redesigned Focus small car late this summer.

The company already offers the 123-hp turbocharged EcoBoost engine in U.S. versions of its Fiesta minicar. In that model, the powerplant has an Environmental Protection Agency combined city/highway rating of 37 mpg the best for any non-hybrid car in America.

The current Focus with a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine has a combined EPA rating of 31 mpg.

In the 2015 Focus, the little engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford notes that one-third of the Focus models it sells in Europe are equipped with the 1.0-liter powerplant, which also is offered in four other nameplates.

The redesigned Focus will be offered in the U.S. in four-door and five-door styles. Electronic features include a standard rearview camera and optional blind spot detection and lane keeping.

Ford notes that app developers have already used the carmaker's Sync AppLink tool to create more than 60 apps that can be used in the vehicle.