Used Ford Focus diesel cars for sale

There are two common diesel engines available in Ford Focus models.

The smaller 1.5-litre unit has 120hp and should be able to return more than 55mpg when fitted with a manual gearbox. This engine is optionally available with an automatic gearbox, trimming efficiency slightly but 50mpg should still be achievable.

Next most common is the 2.0-litre 190hp diesel in the Ford Focus ST. Despite its substantial extra punch, this engine should be able to average more than 45mpg, assuming you can restrain yourself from enjoying the car's plentiful performance.

You may also come across Focus models fitted with a mid-range 2.0-litre diesel with 150hp, but these are far less common than the 120 and 190hp models. Official mpg figures for these engines come from older, less accurate economy tests, but you can expect up to 50mpg in the real world if you drive efficiently.

Yes. Ford's been around for a long time and knows a thing or two about building engines. As a result, the 1.5 and 2.0-litre units you'll find in the Focus are excellent all-round performers with strong economy figures.

Both are a little grumblier than their petrol counterparts when starting and idling, but don't make a racket under hard acceleration like older diesel engines. And, for both engines, their performance is most impressive when shuffling through the gearbox, so they're not as rewarding to rev out to the upper reaches of the tachometer as their petrol counterparts. The flip side, however, is that they rarely feel stressed when accelerating up to speed, turning the Focus into a fairly effortless long-range cruiser.

Broadly speaking, Ford's diesel engines should prove reliable as long as they're looked after. We've not heard of any common or widespread issues with either the 1.5 or the 2.0-litre diesel engines used in the Ford Focus.

For enhanced peace of mind, you can always add an extended warranty to your Focus when you buy it. This kicks in once the manufacturer's coverage ends and will protect you from the cost of unexpected mechanical or electrical failures.