2007 Ford Focus gets an extra 3 mpg from the EPA

In spite of a pending redesign for the 2008 model year and a 9.2 percent drop in sales so far this year, the 2007 Ford Focus is getting some updates to boost its mileage ratings. Ford has made changes to the Intake system on the base 2.0L engine keeping the charge motion valve closed longer. The changes to the engine control software account for half of the 3 mpg boost on the highway. The rest comes from the use of new low rolling resistance tires supplied by Korean manufacturer Hankook. The Focus has the highest EPA ratings of any domestic branded car built in North America, matched only by the Korean-built (and smaller) Chevy Aveo. The 2007 Focus is now rated at 27/37 city highway. Whether anyone will actually notice the difference on the road rather than just the EPA dyno is questionable, but every little bit helps.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]