Welcome to Ecomodder, MisterMundane!
Love the car you have. I have the 2 door coupe predecessor to your Focus - the Escort ZX2. These cars are great, although they have their quirks.
Get that UG asap! Having instrumentation changes your entire perspective on driving. When you slap the throttle in 2nd gear and see 6-8 mpg, you'll understand lol
A grill block, air dam, WAI and rear wheel well covers are all mods that have increased mpg on my car upwards of 30%. Especially the rear covers. I do think that yours will respond similarly.
FYI, mine is automatic and was averaging 32-36 before I came to this site. In comparison, my last tank was 43.3. Your gearing is identical to mine too. With the manual, 40 mpg will be easy for you!
Looking foward to your progress
