The original Focus was the first in its class to have independent suspension front and rear. This made it without doubt the best drivers car in the ‘B’ sector and the new model has improved on the setup keeping it ahead of rivals.
The radical exterior has been unfortunately tamed but there are new details that bear up well to close scrutiny. The side profile has been improved through an optical illusion that appears to make the front overhang less imposing than before.
By adding curves to the body and extending the boot the ‘side on’ view now looks balanced. The rear has lost its near vertical tailgate, replaced by a more sloping glass area. This means that judging where the car’s rear is when reversing is not as easy as before.
I think everyone sighed with disappointment a little when Ford went with what appeared to be a compromised evolution of the cars look. When I grilled the designer, he said I should wait until this cars replacement for a more radical design as design cycles tend to need eight years top throw up radical new ideas. Fair point and in reality the new Focus offers more of everything packaged in this shape.
The interior is now far more sober and Mondeo like. The plastics used in the dash are of various colours to give the Focus a more sophisticated atmosphere. It is classier at the loss of funky-ness.
I am disappointed by just one panel gap inside the car found where the driver’s door meets the dashboard. There is a gap I can insert my index finger to the point my nail is obscured. The rest of the car seems and feels very solid and well built.
On the road is where Focus truly shines. It feels tight and responsive with sharp steering and reasonable performance from the 110 bhp petrol four-cylinder unit. All the controls are light to operate and close to hand.
There are 20 models in the range with specification levels such as Freedom (entry), LX, Zetec, Titanium (sporty), up to Ghia. The engine range at the moment features a 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and 1.6 diesel that really suits the Hatchback. Six airbags are standard too.
The Saloon will prove popular here as the Irish market for small saloons goes completely against the European trend. The very handsome Convertible will be a huge success when launched also. There are some interesting options available like adaptive lights (that turn with the steering) and even a Bluetooth kit.
So Ford is bringing new technologies to a car this size and deserves credit.
I put my money where my mouth was with the original Focus and bought a 1.6, which we ran for a year without complaint.
The original Focus was car of the year and its replacement is the 2005 Semperit Irish Car of the Year. It is a very good car that I would spend my own money on.
Michael Sheridan
