2012 Ford Focus officially certified at 40 mpg highway

Ford has confirmed that the 2012 Focus an EPA-rated 40 miles per gallon achieved on the highway, besting many of the competitors in its class. Only the 2011 Hyundai Elantra and 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco able to achieve the much-heralded 40-mpg mark. The focus is also rated at 28 mpg in the city.
Not in Ford's Parade rain here, but we must make something clear: The 40-mpg rating applies only for the Focus SE sedan with SFE (Super fuel economy) package and the six-speed automatic transmission. To achieve 40 mpg, the SFE package adds unique 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps aero-enhanced, active lattice shutters, a rear spoiler and high-efficiency tires.
That may not seem like a big deal, especially if a car is as stylish and well built in the center to 40 mpg highway. Nevertheless, we can not see that Hyundai Elantra's networks, 40-mpg figure on all models with either transmission, and if you Cruze Eco spec with a manual, you will run at 42 mpg on the highway. But keep in mind that the focus at 160 horsepower is the most powerful car in the group - besting the Elantra with 12 hp and 22 hp with the Cruze Eco - is something that lovers must take into account.
In any case, by the 2012 Focus SE SFE its portfolio is expanding its range of Ford vehicles that achieve 40 mpg or better. Follow the jump for the official press release.