Ford changes Focus with new challenger

21 July 2011 - 02:31 By THOMAS FALKINER
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Cosmopolitan. That's one word that immediately springs to mind when you mention the all-new Ford Focus.

Why? Well unlike the previous model, which was only available in certain select markets like Europe and South Africa, this shiny new example has been designed to sell almost everywhere.

And that means everybody from North America to Asia-Pacific has in some way contributed to shaping the face of Ford's latest world car.

Now although this sort of thing certainly works well in trendy London suburbs like Soho, the cross-pollination of different international ideas and identities has done the new third-generation Focus no favours.

For in its attempt to achieve mass-market appeal, it has lost that enduring left-field flavour that once made its predecessors so original and different.

Seriously, pry that blue oval off the grille and from many angles this car could pass for any one of its rivals from Korea or Japan.

Of course Ford is quick to point out the presence of its "edgy" Kinetic Design language but in reality this does nothing but add a few conflicting lines into a shape that is, in all intents and purposes, jell- mould-generic.

Perhaps I'm being overly subjective here but when you look at how sexy the little Fiesta is, you can't help but feel that the new Focus is something of a missed opportunity.

Whatever. Look beyond that disappointing exterior and you'll discover a cabin that is well screwed together and a pleasure to spend time in.

Improved interior quality is something that the Blue Oval has been very vocal on improving over the last couple of years and the acres of soft-touch plastics and solid-feeling switchgear definitely bear testament to this fact.

Grown-up and premium, it also sports superb ergonomics, with a driving position that tailors perfectly to your body. Even six-foot beanpoles like myself can get comfortable when strapped in behind the wheel.

It's well-equipped too, with even the entry-level "Ambiente" model shipping standard with both a USB and Aux-in port to make the most out of your iPod or MP3 player.

Still, things only start to get interesting once you plump for the middle of the road "Trend" specification that adds, as standard, extra goodies like cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; voice control and Bluetooth.

The latter on its own is worth the extra capital outlay as it allows you to stream music stored on your Smartphone across to that superb six-speaker Ford audio system; a really killer feature for a car in this class.

Of course if you're feeling flush you can opt for the range-topping "Sport" model that ups the accessory ante to the maximum. Building on the "Trend" package, you get heated electric power seats clad in partial leather; automatic headlamps; rain-sensitive wipers; dual zone air-conditioning and a bespoke Sony sound system with nine speakers.

Though a sweet thing to sit inside, the best attribute of the new Focus is the way it drives. You see, modern Fords have always been really stellar in the dynamics department, and this model is no different.

Quiet and well-insulated from road noise, its stiff new chassis design gives it serious legs through corners with a nimble eagerness that many more expensive cars would do well to match.

Rigid and accurate no matter how hard you push, this has been complemented with an electric power steering system that's not only well-weighted but gives a fair idea of how those front tyres are engaging with the black stuff.

No matter which model you choose, a standard electronic limited-slip differential is there to give you even more traction through tighter kinks and hairpins.

The Blue Oval calls it Ford Torque Vectoring Control and out on our test route it worked a treat.

So too did the suspension setup, because it manages to combine an almost perfect blend between tyre-squealing sportiness and bump-stumping compliancy. A real class act if you ask me. Engine-wise you're limited to just three choices at the moment, with two petrol units and one turbocharged diesel. Down at the coast the little 1.6 Ti-VCT gets the job done fine, but up at altitude I'd be more inclined to choose the all-new 2.0GDi with its higher output and direct injection system.

But the pick of the bunch has to be the 2.0 TDCI that mixes just enough raw power, torque and economy into one very useable unit. The trouble is, it is only available in the four-door sedan.

Even more frustrating is that we're not getting the 1.6 EcoBoost engine.

And considering that most of the Focus's rivals come with small capacity turbocharged petrol powerplants, this seems like a dire marketing faux pas.

Cog swapping duties are handled by a slick-shifting five-speed manual in the hatch with an option of a six-speed PowerShift automatic in both 2.0 variants of the sedan.

So there you have it. The all-new third-generation Focus is fabulous to pilot and probably one of the most premium Ford products to ever roll into South African showrooms.

The only problem is, surrounded by much prettier, albeit not quite as competitively priced products from VW and Opel, will this be enough to cement itself in the upper rungs of the incredibly competitive C-segment sales list?

Time will tell, but I think that Ford's global player is going to find the competition tougher than ever before.

THE SPECS:

Engine:

1.6 Ti-VCT: 92kW at 6000rpm; 159Nm at 4000rpm

2.0 GDi: 125kW at 6600rpm; 202Nm at 4450rpm

2.0 TDCi: 120kW at 3750rpm; 340Nm at 2000rpm

Fuel consumption/CO2:

1.6 Ti-VCT: 6.0l/100km (claimed combined), 139g/km

2.0 GDi: 6.4l/100km (claimed combined), 149g/km

2.0 TDCi: 5.3l/100km (claimed combined), 139g/km

Pricing:

5-door:

1.6 Ti-VCT Ambiente: R208400

1.6 Ti-VCT Trend: R226400

2.0 GDi Trend: R241800

2.0 GDi Sport: R266200

4-door:

1.6 Ti-VCT Ambiente: R208400

1.6 Ti-VCT Trend: R226400

2.0 GDi Trend Auto: R264300

2.0 TDCI Trend Auto: R281100

We like:

Still a great drive

Premium interior

Aggressive pricing

We don't like:

Uninspired looks

No 1.6 EcoBoost engine

No TDCi in hatchback

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