EPA announced official fuel consumption figures for the new 2012 Ford Focus. Based on that the car manages 40 mpg highway and 28 mpg city when equipped with six-speed automatic transmission and SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package.

The Focus is still behind the new Hyundai Elantra in terms of economy, as the Korean does 40 mpg highway/29 city and has a better combined figure. But then the Focus is sportier and, traditionally, better to drive. I would gladly trade a couple of MPGs for more driving fun!

Focus becomes the fourth vehicle in the Ford Motor Company vehicle lineup with an EPA-certified rating of 40 mpg or more.

“Our customers tell us that fuel economy is the top reason for purchasing a Focus,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The all-new Focus meets that demand with great fuel economy, class-leading technologies and features, exceptional standards of craftsmanship and driving dynamics typically reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles.”

Here’s how the Ford Focus SFE compares with current 2011 model year competitor products with automatic transmissions: