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Ford Focus Hatchback (2005-2011) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Mike Humble Published: 15 November 2021

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 35 - 74 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Check out common Ford Focus problems

As it’s a Ford you can expect day-to-day running costs to be typically affordable. Depreciation will always be a factor in this class but improvements over the previous model mean it should hold its value better while economy is generally impressive and insurance bandings reasonable.

The Focus performs very well on the eco front as its emissions are relatively low for a small family hatchback. A green ECOnetic model joined the range in early 2008. This has a 1.6-litre TDCi engine, but through special fuel-saving measures, it emits 115g/km CO2.

In November 2009 this was improved further with the standard ECOnetic model emitting 104g/km of CO2, while a version with Auto-Stop-Start drops emissions to just 99g/km CO2, meaning road tax is free.

It has been on sale since 2005 and no significant problems have yet appeared. Owners have reported to us that this Focus is very reliable – much like the previous model.