Ford Focus - Available Since 1998

Ford’s Focus has since 1998 sold more than 10 million units sold globally and now the ageing model has been given a ‘makeover’ along with new engines.

Available in two body shapes (sedan and hatch-back), three engines with improved specification levels; and offered as a 1.6 or 2-litre petrol engines and a diesel option.

The three specification levels are the entry level Ambiente, high-specification Trend and a 125kW Sport version only available on the 2-litre hatchback.

 DESIGN

The third generation Ford Focus has been completely changed when compared with its predecessor:

·         The new model sports a new ‘grille’ and wrap-around headlights adding enormous ‘sporty’ appeal to the vehicle.

·         At the rear the styling is rather tame for the sedan, but the hatchback now has a new rear spoiler providing a more sporty appeal over the sedan.

·         The new Focus hatch-back now has its own unique design to help set itself apart from other models. 

ENGINES

·         Ford’s 1.6 engine (available on sedan and hatchback) produces 92kw power,

·         The two-litre GDi produces 125kW power for both body styles.

·         The 2.0 TDCi engine, only available in the sedan, produces 120kW power.

·         The 1.6 power plant is mated to a five-speed manual transmission while both the petrol and diesel two-litre engines are mated to Ford’s six-speed PowerShift auto.

FUEL ECONOMY

Hatch-Back - Fuel economy on the hatchback is rated at a claimed 5.9 litres/100km (1.6) and 6.7litres/100km (2.0).

Sedan - Fuel consumption figures for the sedan is rated at a claimed 6.0litres/100km for the 1.6 engine and 6.4litres/100km for the petrol 2.0 GDi.

The fuel economy is much lower on the diesel auto compared to the petrol 2.0, with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.3litres/100km. The 2.0 TDCi has a fuel economy of 5 litres/100km...

PowerShift Auto

The new PowerShift Auto provides seamless gear shifts ideal for city or extra urban driving need.

Driver, passenger and side airbags are offered as standard across the range, along with ABS and EBD.

INTERIOR

The Fiesta influence is obvious especially with the ‘cloned dials and centre console’.

Has ample head and leg room, intuitive controls and a boot that’s capable of swallowing any luggage load are all traits of a great family car.

The Focus hatchback has nearly 60 litres less boot space compared to the Volkswagen Golf, but at 316 litres it’s still pretty ample.

The 2.0 Sport hatchback’s interior is quite different from the “busy” Fiesta-inspired design 

OVERALL

Overall the new model is a perfect example of evolution over revolution. The Focus is a stylish family-oriented sedan and although it’s got a new makeover the Focus doesn’t skimp on practicality or quality. If you don’t buy one of these, an annoying work mate or a loves-to-rub-it-in-your-face neighbour will, and you’ll kick yourself for not buying it, as it’s quite simply a superb vehicle.

The Focus is offered with a five-year or 90 000km service plan, with 20 000km service intervals.

Comments from International Auto Websites

Auto Express

"For the first time, the Focus gets electric power-steering and torque vectoring. The former is more efficient than a regular hydraulic set-up and helps to save fuel, while the latter subtly brakes the driven wheels to mimic a limited-slip differential."

Parker's

"This, the third-generation Focus shouldn’t really be any different, and although the design is a fairly sizeable departure from its predecessor, it is easily recognisable as a Focus: Ford has played it pretty safe. The engine line-up remains much the same, except for the addition of a 1.6-litre Ecoboost unit offering 147bhp and 180bhp outputs. The new car’s longer, but it is lower, which helps to keep CO2 emissions down and there’s also a long list of new active safety features available."

What Car?

"The latest Focus only enhances Ford’s reputation for building brilliant driving motorcars. All models are well equipped and competitively priced."