Performance Ford Focus RS takes on eco challenge

The 2.5-litre 305 hp Ford Focus RS will target over 6.7 liters/100 km during the 580 km route.

Capable of 262 km/h and 0-100 km/h in under six seconds, the Ford Focus RS aims to demonstrate its remarkable efficiency with class honours in the leading frugal motoring marathon.

Motoring writer Jeremy Walton and co-driver Alyson Marlow are preparing to beat the official 7.8 liters/100 km combined fuel economy of the Ford Focus RS by a margin of over 15 per cent.

"I'm setting out to prove you can use an efficient high-performance car in daily driving without enormous fuel bills," said Jeremy, who has entered the Ford-supplied RS in the Warwickshire-based marathon's class for cars with CO2 emissions of 160+g/km.

Before customer deliveries even started earlier this year, more than half of the UK's Ford Focus RS allocation had been sold. The £26,395 car continued the RS badge's acclaimed 40-year association with exciting and affordable performance cars.

David Calder, Ford's medium car product manager, said: "We launched the latest Ford Focus RS not only as the ultimate front-wheel drive performance car but also as a car you can live with every day, and wish Jeremy and Alyson a smooth and safe journey as they prove this out."

The MPG Marathon, organised by FleetWorld magazine, demonstrates real world fuel economy figures delivered by a wide range of vehicles, not just those designed for low fuel consumption. More about the event on September 30/October 1 at mpgmarathon.com

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-2009092410653029.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Ford Focus RS pilots in next week's mpg marathon: Jeremy Walton & Alyson Marlow[/I]

Credits: JRC