Ford Focus Sedan 1,6 Trend (2005) Driving Impression

When the original Ford Focus was launched, it emphasised the car’s youthful spirit compared with the dull-as-dishwater Escort models that had preceded it. The new-found zest for life certainly contributed to the Focus’s rapid climb up the sales charts. The media (and the public) loved it. Well, to be more accurate, they loved the hatchback version. As Toyota could have told Ford’s product planners in one sentence, the target audience for compact four-door sedans don’t care much about slashes and “New Edge” design themes, they’ve got grown-ups’ problems… So, for the second-generation Focus, Ford has been significantly more conservative, particularly for the sedan model, which has to battle such staples as the Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Ballade and its own cousin, the Mazda3.

Out with “New Edge”, curves are back for Ford Focus

Parked next to its predecessor, which had a very awkwardly “tacked-on” sedan bum which didn’t gel very well with the slashes and edges that typified Ford’s “New Edge” design theme, the second-generation Ford Focus sedan looks mature, sophisticated and, er, a bit like a Corolla. No surprises there, to be honest, because the Toyota continues to lead the sales charts and conservatism in this segment is seemingly a requirement. That’s not to say that the Ford Focus is an unattractive car. The strongly defined wheelarches provide some visual muscle. The rear end is particularly crisp in the way it incorporates a bootlid spoiler, and there are a couple of strong edges that flow into other curves or trim pieces. It’s a coherent design, and one that shouldn’t age too swiftly.

You also quickly notice that this Ford Focus is appreciably larger than its predecessor. The 2 640 mm wheelbase may have only grown very slightly, but its tracks are 40 mm wider, and this is important, because it results in noticeably improved shoulder-room in the cabin. The boot, also, is huge, probably the biggest in this segment, and hasn’t come at the expensive of much rear legroom, which still rates as very good.

If you had thought the exterior had been sobered up, wait until you cast your eyes over the Focus’s upmarket and very neat new facia design. Gone are the hard plastics and slashes, replaced by soft-touch materials where it matters and a straightforward but ergonomically very successful centre section that incorporates all the audio and ventilation system controls. To avoid the interior coming across as overbearingly grey and sombre, Ford has included some silver trim accents to brighten things up. Overall, it’s successful redesign, one that fits with the car’s newfound “seriousness”.

All the toys

The standard specification list has been very carefully considered and compares favourably with the competition. A good start in the quest for driver comfort is always the fitment of a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a steering wheel that can adjust for rake and reach. The Ford Focus scores full marks in this regard, and as a result even long-distance drives will leave the driver feeling fresh. Also included are; air-conditioning, power steering, radio/CD/MP3, electrically adjustable mirrors and windows, remote central locking and remote audio controls (on a stalk behind the steering wheel).

It’s also a very safe car, having scored the maximum five stars in Euro-NCAP crash testing. Disc brakes are fitted all-round, backed by ABS with EBD and, inside the cabin, dual front and side airbags are standard.

The Big Easy

Tipping the scales at around 1,3 tonnes, the Ford Focus sedan is no lightweight, so the little 77 kW 1,6-litre engine has its work cut out to move the car along with any great sense of urgency. Consequently, performance can not be placed in the “swift” category. That said, the competition is not much better, and the target market doesn’t really care about 0-100 km/h sprint times (Ford claims 11,5 seconds, but it feels perhaps a bit slower than that). What the engine does, however, provide is excellent fuel economy. Ford says the Focus 1,6 will sip 7,2 litres/100 km. In the real world, expect your fuel consumption to sit around the 8,5 litres/100 km mark, as you’ll have to work the engine at times…

The engine’s relaxed character fits the rest of the driving experience. Riding on 15-inch alloy wheels with plump 195/65 tyres, the ride comfort is excellent. It’s also a very quiet cruiser which, combined with the excellent seats and oodles of space, makes it a great family holiday car. The suspension has obviously been tuned for comfort rather than pin-sharp dynamics, as there’s considerable bodyroll in the corners. Then again, the target customer prefers it this way.

Ford Focus – Verdict

With this Focus, Ford has done a Corolla. Some may see that as a negative, but it’s not meant to be. The target market prefers this kind of vehicle, one that prioritises comfort, space and economy over flashiness and performance. But, that’s not the end of it. The Ford Focus is also better than the Corolla at being a Corolla… Its sober interior is more upmarket and crafted out of finer materials. It’s got more space in the cabin and in the boot. It’s more economical and should be similarly affordable to maintain – service intervals are set at only every 20 000 km. Ford has done its homework well. This Focus scores an “A”.

We like:

• Relaxed personality
• Big boot
• Equipment level
• Ride quality
• Economy

We don’t like:

• Bland styling
• “Relaxed” performance

Fast facts

Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder, petrol

Power:  77 kW @ 6 000 rpm

Torque: 145 N.m @ 4 000 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Wheels: 15-inch alloy

Top speed: 183 km/h

0-100 km/h: 11,5 seconds

Fuel economy: 7,2 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• Honda Civic Sedan 150i: Highly rated for its durability and comfort, this Civic just lacks the overall style of the Ford and some other rivals. Its 1,5-litre engine provides zippy performance, but at the cost of fuel economy.
• Toyota Corolla 160i GLS: Remains a very strong rival with a good mix of talents, including build quality, performance/economy balance and spaciousness in the cabin. The boot, however, is not as big as some others here.
• Mazda3 1,6 Active: A sharp looker with a neat, modern interior. It doesn’t have the Focus’s spaciousness, though, and also lacks the relaxed “refinement” of the Ford, coming across as a bit noisy and harsh.