News

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the top-selling Focus, Ford has launched a dynamic new incarnation

Wednesday 26th March 2008

A desirable performance

The first and only vehicle to be named ‘Car of the Year’ in both Europe and North America, and the recipient of more than 80 awards in Europe alone, the Ford Focus has an illustrious history.

Now, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this top-selling car, Ford has launched a dynamic new incarnation, and having test driven it, I’m sure it will fulfil the manufacturer’s aim of reaffirming the Focus’s position as the most desirable model in the segment.

The striking new exterior design is a triumph, and is achieved by using new body panels everywhere except the roof, the windscreen and side window glass.

In profile, it boasts a stunning streamlined shape which is enhanced by the dynamic creases which run along the bonnet and sides of the body. The biggest changes can be seen on the expressive front end, with the sculpted bonnet, angled headlamps set high in the wing, and chunky two part grille, with trapezoidal lower part – all indicative of Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ language, which was introduced on the sophisticated new Mondeo.

At the rear, there’s now a lip below the window, and new rear lights look like sleek strips of ice. The restructured range offers a choice of Studio, Style, Zetec, Titanium and ST trim – the test model being a Zetec, which is described by Ford as the ‘definitive drivers car’ and is expected to be the biggest seller.

Each Focus comes with a generous raft of standard features such as power-operated front windows, remote control central locking, and electrically-operated door mirrors with side turn indicators. There’s also the Ford Intelligent Protection System with front airbags and side airbags, and ABS with EBD.

With each trim level comes an additional set of goodies – the Style has heated door mirrors, front fog lights, air conditioning, and roof curtain airbags, as well as silver-effect accents on the steering wheel, a trip/fuel computer, remote audio controls, sporty instrument cluster design with satin aluminum-finish trim rings, and aluminiumfinish interior door handles and handbrake release button.

Zetec adds 16” five-spoke alloys, Quickclear heated windscreen, sports suspension, perimeter alarm, sports-style front seats with driver lumbar adjust, body colour rear spoiler (previously an option) and premium centre console.

All models also feature Ford’s clever Easy Fuel capless refuelling system, which helps drivers to avoid the potentially disastrous mistake of putting diesel fuel in a petrol model, or vice versa.

Being inside the cabin is a real joy, and you cannot fail to notice the hike in quality, with softtouch materials and aesthetically-appealing metal-finish elements giving it the kind of finish you’d expect from premium brands.

Enjoyment levels are also enhanced by the ergonomic layout, and easy to use controls, including the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning.

The seats – covered in a new cloth upholstery – are extremely comfortable, which is great news for long journeys.

Also, the drivers seat is easily adjustable, allowing you to acquire your preferred position.

Those in the rear are equally likely to enjoy the journey, as their environment is light and spacious, with plenty of leg and headroom.

The Focus remains a very practical car, with a huge boot easily providing space enough for a couple of bulging suitcases, or the family’s weekly shop.

There’s also a surprisingly deep glovebox and a movable armrest with a four-litre capacity storage compartment.

The Focus has gained a reputation for its driving dynamics, and not surprisingly, the new generation model, which has a wheelbase 25mm longer and 40mm wider, continues to impress in this department.

With the independent Control Blade multi-link rear suspension, the Focus combines faultless handling, precise steering and impressive ride comfort.

The comprehensive line-up of petrol and diesel powertrains are unchanged although the engine management systems have been revised to lower CO2 emissions.

The test model’s 1.6 TDCi engine was incredibly refined, smooth and responsive.

Married to a slick five-speed manual gearbox, it allows good progress, accelerating from 0-62mph in under 13 seconds, and has plenty of punch for overtaking.

What’s particularly impressive about this version is that its relatively kind on both the environment and your wallet. Emissions are 118g/km, putting it in band B, and combined fuel consumption is 62.7mpg.

If you’d like to make your impact on the environment even smaller, you could opt for the ECOnetic model with a 115g/km CO2 rating and a combined fuel consumption figure of a fairly impressive 65.7mpg.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Focus, and now that it has an appearance as stunning as the driving experience, this erennially popular vehicle looks extremely well placed to continue its success.

Published Friday 14th March 2008, Leicester Mercury