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.