As much as we like the idea of a car that’s only available with a manual transmission, it’s not exactly a solid sales strategy in the U.S. So it’s probably smart of Ford to add an automatic-transmission option to the 1.0-liter three-cylinder-equipped Ford Focus for 2016. Previously available with only a six-speed manual transmission, this diminutive optional EcoBoost engine can now be had with a six-speed automatic for both Focus 1.0L sedan and hatchback models (the smaller Fiesta 1.0L is still manual-only).
The transmission that pairs with the turbocharged three-cylinder is a conventional six-speed automatic, as opposed to the six-speed dual-clutch that’s offered on Focus models with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Opting for an automatic eliminates some of the fuel economy benefit of the smaller engine, as the automatic 1.0-liter car gets 28/40/32 mpg (city/highway/combined) compared to the manual’s 30/42/35 mpg. That’s still slightly higher than the 2.0-liter automatic, though, which is rated at 27/40/31 mpg (city/highway/combined). Regardless of transmission choice, the 1.0-liter engine makes 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque?a manual 1.0L Focus sedan we tested last year recorded a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.4 seconds, around two seconds slower than the equivalent 2.0-liter Focus.
The 1.0-liter engine, available only for the SE trim level, costs just $495 extra on its own, but the newly available automatic option adds quite a bit of c...