Ford needs to 'refocus' on the Focus

The Ford Focus was one of many vehicles that helped keep Ford ‘focused’ in the right direction, and the sales of it proved that Ford knows a thing or two about small cars. But with several new rivals that have caught on, does the Focus still offer a valid reason to consider one?

The standard 2-liter four-cylinder engine seems to be the only way to go here. We applaud Ford for offering the 1-liter ecoboost3-cylinder engine, but it just doesn’t feel as flexible as you’d think since it has a turbocharger. There isn’t much torque at low revs compared to the 2-liter non-turbo and the fact that you have to pay a premium over that engine proves buying this engine is a false economy. We would boost about how low the running costs are, but our figures were so close to the 2-liter engine that we couldn’t even recommend it even if we wanted to. It might be great for those seeking a non-hybrid option, but for those individuals they’re most likely going to stick to city driving and staying in the cruising lane on the highway with this engine.

The Focus just doesn’t seem a sharp to drive as the Volkswagen Golf, but it certainly isn’t far from it. The steering feedback is good and the car handles nicely. The only way you can get a sharper to drive chassis is to opt for the ST, but in this review we’re only going to ‘focus’ on the mainstream versions. Our tester car came fitted with the optional 1-liter ecoboost3-cylinder engine and like we said prior, it didn’t feel all the flexible to drive where it matters most. You’ll find yourself shifting down a gear to keep the momentum going, the way the gearing is set up with the manual gearbox makes livability of that gearbox itself questionable. It certainly does feel strange as it forces you to shift up sooner than you’d like all in the name of fuel consumption, and that aspect of it really isn’t anything to brag about. We’ve test driven the 2-liter four-cylinder with the six-speed auto gearbox and it certainly didn’t win any fans with us. The gearbox was way too slow to react and was jerky in between shifts making it very uncomfortable to drive. We have yet to test the new Focus with the retooled six-speed auto gearbox.

Our tester car didn’t come equipped with the large infotainment system that is standard on the higher spec’d trims. The tiny 5-inch display is fine, but the dashboard is way too fiddly to navigate through. The front seats offer plenty of support and while those in the rear seat won’t have anything to complain about. The hatch makes more sense if you are seeking versatility as the sedan, while it may be the popular choice for some doesn’t have the eye appeal that the hatchback has. The portions seem really off and the boot space is nowhere near as practical.

Our tester car came fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, rear disc brakes and the 1-liter ecoboost3-cylinder engine. Bluetooth, keyless entry, automatic headlamps and active grill shutters are also fitted as standard. You’ll have to pay extra for that turbocharged three-cylinder engine and you can’t get this engine on the hatchback.

 The Ford Focus may not be on everyone’s shortlist but it certainly is a vehicle worth considering if you aren’t swayed by the Golf or vast number of options in this segment. We however certainly wouldn’t option for one as the engine choices aren’t the most inspiring, and the build quality we are still iffy about as Ford’s track record with the Focus hasn’t been the greatest. You’ll have to be daft to overlook the Mazda3 and all the other choices that are just as fun to drive, offer low running costs and don’t feel as sparsely kitted as the Focus. There is a new Focus around the corner and is worth waiting for if you have your heart set out on a Focus. You’ll be bitterly disappointed if you buy this current generation.

Likes: The hatchback is practical and is slightly more stylish than the sedan. Running costs are decent and it’s actually surprisingly sharp to drive.

Dislikes: The turbo three-cylinder is a false economy. We still are iffy with quality and reliability. Wait for the next generation to arrive.

Our pick: The SEL hatch seems to offer a striking balance between price and standard kit. You’ll want to do whatever you can to avoid the entry-level SE version which gets the tiny infotainment screen and button happy dashboard.

Devon test drives a radical new Ford Focus (Used)

The next generation Ford Focus is a radical departure from the previous generation. The new generation is stylish inside out and is aimed at the heavy hitters the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Trying to take the rental car image away and offer a car that people actually want, has Ford finally hit a homerun with the Focus? Or is it all style no substance? Let’s find out.

Performance: There are two engines available with the Focus. A 2-liter four-cylinder producing 160hp and a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 252hp in the ST. The standard Focus offers enough oomph for most buyers, while the ST offers wicked fast acceleration and a smooth manual gearbox to match. Only downside with the ST is the large amount of torque at low revs which causes the ST to torque steer more than we’d like in the first two gears.

On the road: The Focus was known for having sweet handling when it first arrived here in 1998. The new Focus continues that trend with strong grip and solid body control which makes it feel agile through corners and bends. The steering weighs up nicely and the ride is pretty good too. It isn’t as smooth as a Volkswagen Golf but it’s pretty close to it. The standard Focus engine is smooth and doesn’t make much of a racket when you put your foot down. The manual gearbox is the way to go. It’s smooth and crisp shifts make it much more of a joy than the rather jerky Power-shift automatic. Wind, road noise is well isolated in the cabin making the Focus a comfortable long distance cruiser.

Behind the wheel: The Focus driving position is really good. There’s plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and driver’s seat. Visibility out is okay, with a few blind spots over the shoulder and out the rear windscreen. The dashboard has too many fiddly and confusing buttons. The Focus offers enough room for four and the boot space is pretty generous it isn’t as large as the VW Golf but its decent compared to the rest.

Equipment:  The S trim comes with CD-player, air-con and stability control. You’ll have to step up to the SE to get alloy wheels and SYNC voice activated entertainment system. Titanium trim adds climate control, premium sound system, rear view parking camera and four-wheel disc brakes. The ST trim adds unique exterior body-kit, turbo engine and few extra sporty bits to make it feel sportier than the rest of the Focus range.

Buying & owning: The standard Focus offers plenty of choices. Although we highly suggest sticking with the SE trim in sedan and hatch form. It seems to make the most sense compared to the S and Titanium trim. ST trim offers hot hatch performance with a relatively low price but don’t expect discounts as the demand for them are high. Running costs should be reasonable and resale value should hold up well as the Focus has been selling quite well.

Quality & Safety: The Focus has a funky and attractive design inside with plenty of high quality materials used in the cabin. This is all good but we wish the dash overall design was a little more user friendly. The Focus has suffered few mechanical issues with the automatic gearbox and the SYNC infotainment system. Stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard. Sadly you’ll have to pay extra for rear disc brakes on most trims which should be standard considering the hatchback starts near $20,000. Side curtain airbags are standard as well as an array of anti-theft features to keep theft at bay. 

The Ford Focus is a radical departure from the previous generation. It’s stylish inside out and offers way better driving experience that the previous generation lacked. However, just like all good things there are its downsides. The Focus interior controls are fiddly and confusing to operate. The Power-Shift auto gearbox is rather jerky between gears and take some getting used it. Also the fact that you’ll have to either step up to the Titanium trim or pay extra for rear disc brakes is just baffling to us. Other than these few complaints the Focus is a solid choice among the heavy hitters and well worth the extra look.

Likes: A radical departure from the previous generation, plenty of grip with excellent body control. Wicked turbo engine performance with low starting price.

Dislikes: Interior controls are too fiddly and confusing to use. Rear disc brakes aren’t standard on SE trim. Power-shift auto gearbox can be jerky between shifts.

Devon’s Pick: SE trim pretty much has all you’ll ever really need in a Focus without paying more than you’ll really need to with the Titanium trim. Our only complaint is the fact that this trim is close to $20,000 and only comes with rear drum brakes. At this price point this is unacceptable. Other than that this is the best Focus of the range not counting the thumping ST.

(Part-two) popular car choices among LGBT-Community

Porsche 718 Boxster 
Likes: Fantastic car to drive with handling that's near perfection. It's well balanced and very fast. The interior is top notch in quality.

Dislikes: Porsche is stingy with options and they aren't cheap either. You won't find any Porsche on the dealer lot priced near the MSRP price tag.

Overall: Porsche has an appeal that literally no other car on the road has. Your investments are well protected and it is easy to live with. Your only other option is a Mazda Miata and well the be honest that's literally best way to go if you can't justify the high price of admission Porsche asks for.



Audi A7 
Likes: The exterior and interior are the definition of classy. Boot space is quite generous and versatile thanks to the hatchback opening. Strong range of engines to choose from.

Dislikes: Audi design language really isn't for everyone. It can get expensive quickly.

Overall: Audi really did a good job with the A7. We just wish that Audi did a little more with the exterior styling.



Jeep Grand Cherokee 
Likes: Rugged styling with fully capable off-road abilities. The SRT version is wicked fast and the diesel engine offers the best of both worlds in terms of flexibility and low running costs.

Dislikes: FCA reliability record and quality issues haunts what is actually a great vehicle. You'll have to pay for features that should be standard across the range.



Mazda 6 
Likes: The sole engine is flexible and has low running costs. It's more fun to drive than many of its keen rivals. Interior is beyond what you'd expect and it's roomy/comfortable for the family.

Dislikes: No all-wheel-drive and no upgraded engine option.

Overall: The Mazda 6 is literally the best family sedan money can buy. It's not boring to drive, it's not expensive to run and you can fit five people in with a spacious boot. We just wish that it had a more potent engine for those who may want the extra oomph but don't want to venture else where.



Ford Focus
Likes: There's literally a Focus for everyone. The ST and the RS versions are absolutely insane. Practical hatchback boot space and the interior is roomy for five people. It's fun to drive across the board and priced within reason.

Dislikes: Reliability of the auto gearbox is iffy. Sedan version isn't as eye appealing as the hatchback. Why no wagon?

Overall: We love the Ford Focus even though it isn't as good as the Golf. It does offer plenty for everyone and is an easy car to live with. We highly recommend keeping a close eye on the auto gearbox as it has been known for numerous issues.

Devon Focuses on a New Ford (Used)

If you considered a Ford Focus in the past, most likely you'd pick one because there were massive discounts or you were given one as a rental car. The new Focus is a breathe of fresh air in the crowded compact car market. It's stylish, affordable and offers tons of technology that can rival some of the more expensive luxury brands. 

Does the new Focus have what it takes to shake off the rental car image and be a serious contender in the compact car segment? Or is this another "all style no substance" vehicle? Let's find out.

Performance: The Focus can be had with two engine choices. There's a 2-liter four-cylinder producing 160hp and a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 252hp at the top end of the range. The more mainstream 2-liter 160hp engine is the pick of the range. It may not offer the fire breathing turbo engine from the ST, but it's quite enough for what it has to offer. Acceleration is decent around town and on the highway. Fuel economy isn't bad either. 

Ride & Handling: The Focus is quite a joy to drive around twisty bends and even on the highway. The ride comfort and overall handling is one of the sweet spots. Body control is good and steering feedback is very communicative. It may not be as sharp as the Volkswagen Golf, but it does it's job really well. The ST has a firmer suspension which results in a firmer ride. The trade off is the handling is spot on good, but still lags behind the Volkswagen GTI finesse. 

Refinement: Wind and road noise are so well suppressed in the Focus that you'd think you were in a larger more expensive vehicle. Both engines operate smoothly even at highway speeds. The ST turbo engine racy exhaust note makes it more addicting to push harder on the highway. The manual gearbox is the better choose with slick gear change and overall feel of the clutch makes it easy to deal with as a daily driver. The six-speed automatic offered is smooth but often hesitates between gears, making it feel rather jerky at low speeds. 

Behind the wheel: The driving position in the Focus is spot on. There's plenty of adjustments for the driver's seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good thanks to nicely sized windows and exterior mirrors. The dashboard is too button busy for our tastes. Many of the controls are rather fiddly and can be somewhat distracting. 

Space & Practicality: Although the Focus is small on the outside, space for four adults in the inside is possible. Leg and headroom is decent all-round. The boot isn't massive, but for the amount of space that it has most will find it quite enough to meet their needs. 

Equipment: The Focus comes well equipped even in base trim. Air-conditioning, stability control, CD-player and air-con all come standard on the base trim. Mid-range SE trim adds alloy wheels, cruise control and auto headlights. Top of the range Titanium trim adds leather trimmed seats, reverse sensors and a dual-zone climate control. ST adds turbo engine, unique ST grille and fog lights with a six-speed manual gearbox. 

Buying & Owning: The Focus base price is competitively priced with the Golf and Civic. The higher the trims you climb the more kit you get, but the higher the price will climb. Running costs will be decent thanks to good fuel economy, while resale value should be good thanks to strong demand. The ST trim will be slightly more expensive than the mainstream Focus, but the thumping performance makes up for the price. 

Quality & reliability: The quality and feel of the cabin materials are very good. This is a step up for Ford because in previous generations of the Focus, many of the plastics felt cheap and scratchy. Reliability of the Focus has been a mixed bag. Many owners have complained about the radiator and also the automatic transmission. 

Safety & Security: All Focus trims adds front and side curtain airbags standard. Traction control, anti-lock brakes and stability control are also standard. Tire pressure monitors are standard across the range as well. Anti-theft system is standard while anti-theft alarm is optional. 

The Ford Focus is a vastly improved vehicle overall. The interior has been improved and the overall image of the vehicle is no longer a rental car or the bland unappealing Focus of the previous generations. Ford has finally stepped up its game and given a Focus that's worthy of consideration in the small car segment. However, the dashboard is button crowded with fiddly operation and the reliability record is iffy. Overall the Focus is a step up in the right direction but needs some improvements in areas that matter to buyers the most. 

Devon's Pick: The SE trim is all the Focus you'll ever need. It offers decent kit and the engine offers enough oomph for both city and highway driving. Low running cost and decent asking price makes this trim ideally the pick of the range. 

Likes: Fun to drive with sharp steering and excellent body control. Thumping turbo engine in ST trim. Plenty of luxury options for very little money. 

Dislikes: Iffy reliability record, dashboard is rather button crowded with fiddly operation. MyFord Touch system is fiddly to operate and distracting to use. No engine to pick between the mainstream Focus and ST trim. 

Devon M