“It’s too bad that the least-efficient Focus doesn’t have a larger fuel tank for more range.” – Alex Stoklosa
Can’t decide between the regular Ford Focus and the hot ST version? Besides the ST’s punchy 2.0-liter turbo four, tail-happy chassis tuning, and aggressive looks—all of which have continued to please in our long-term example—the hot hatch also sets itself apart in the fuel-efficiency department. The EPA’s combined estimate for the ST is 26 mpg, 4 mpg lower than its estimate for the non-ST Focus. This is hardly earth-shattering stuff, since a sporty car generally sucks more fuel, but we wish we could stretch more between fill-ups in our long-term ST, if only to keep the fun going longer.
- Comparison Test: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2015 Volkswagen GTI
- 2015 Ford Focus Photos and Info: One Ford Comes Full Circle
- Ford Focus Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More
Our ST is averaging a decent 26 mpg overall—spot-on the EPA’s combined figure—but for associate online editor Stoklosa, the discrepancy in overall mileage is more pronounced given his frequent drives to and from his native Chicago. Stoklosa briefly owned a 2012 Focus hatchback, and could make it the 250 miles from Ann Arbor to the Windy City and some of the way back—about 400 miles total—before needing to fill up. In the ST, driven at C/D-typical speeds, he rolls into Chicago with about an eighth of a tank to spare. We’re sure that, driven like an octogenarian on downers, the ST could somewhat close that gap, but what’s the fun in that? On the bright side, the turbocharged hatch doesn’t require premium fuel.
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