Ford's new Focus arrives into a falling market for traditional family cars - the trend is definitively towards small SUV's - but Ford is pressing on with the new Focus.
What used to be the family car segment in Ireland has shrunk by a fifth in the last few years and one in four cars in the segment currently being sold are SUV's. And if that surprises you, then consider that the bigger Ford Mondeo has dropped from holding 20 per cent of the market to 7 per cent today. Our affections and tastes have shifted dramatically.
What has not changed, however, is the demand for value for money and rising expectations of more standard equipment on family cars. The 1.0 litre petrol starts at €24,900 and the 1.5 diesel starts at €26,800.
Ford has now released its pricing and standard equipment levels for the Focus range, which is now on sale.
Engines will include a1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol (125 HP) and 1.5 litre diesel (120 HP).
All cars get 16" alloys; LED DTRLs; 6.5" SYNC 3 with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay; selectable drive modes; cruise control with lane-keeping aid; pre-collision assist including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Focus ST-Line also gets 17" sport alloys; ST-Line body kit; twin polished tail pipes; large rear spoiler; keyless start; interior sports trim; sports suspension; ST-Line scuff plates.
Focus Titanium gets all of the above plus front & rear parking sensors; 8" SYNC 3 with navigation & Android Auto & Apple CarPlay; FordPass Connect embedded modem; keyless entry & start; LED rear lamps.
The rear is reminiscent of Volvo's XC impressive styling statement.
I recently drive the new Focus and found that In terms of looks, it has moved on and the overall package is a very good combination of chiseled styling and flowing lines. Each element of the body has been thought out, so that the various panels have been put together with the aim of achieving harmony. It works too, especially the rear. It's one of the smartest aspects of the car but it's also more than a nod to the success of the Volvo XC line-up that has been a huge success for Volvo. If there is one styling cue to follow then it has to be the XC range or something resembling a Range Rover. In this case, the XC is the more sensible inspiration.
The first thing to note about the new Focus is how well engineered it is in terms of ride and handling. The previous model was accomplished in this regard, but the new version is truly impressive. Surefooted, with precise steering, the Focus feels like a car that costs a great deal more money than it does - it starts at €24,900, which is actually about €95 cheaper than the car it replaces. It has excellent suspension and balance and is one of the very few cars in its class that offers such a level of driver engagement.
Yet I suspect that the vast majority of Focus drivers won't ever quite appreciate this level of refinement. Looks, cost, fuel economy and practicality are likely to be far more important considerations for older drivers (the majority of people who buy new cars in Ireland are over 50) and those for whom a car is a family fit. Being impressed by how sharp and direct the car is in a tricky bend is rather missing the point.
I drove two versions of the new Focus - the 1.0 litre Ecoboost petrol and the 1.5 diesel. Actually these will be the only two engines available in Ireland and they make for pretty sensible choices. I've not been a fan of the Ecoboost engine previously, as I've never achieved anything near the claimed fuel consumption boasted of by Ford. However, in this case things do seem to have improved. The capacity is now up to 125 horse power and the economy - on a limited drive - has improved to market standards. A longer term test will be the proof of the pudding but as a 1.0 litre this engine does a very good job indeed - almost as good as the three-cylinder market leader from the VW Group. It's also quiet and responsive. The diesel is also impressive, with the output increased to 120 horse power and little lag to complain of.
The estate version is an eye-catcher.
Although the car only has two engine choices, there is a good range of body styles promised, from the hatchback to an estate to an Active SUV type design. The estate really caught my eye. It is very well finished and pleasing to the eye. It is also a far more practical choice than many smaller SUV's for those who require generous space in the boot. Neither does it look like the saloon with an estate rear tacked on - it has its own character - and deserves way more attention than it will probably get from relatively estate-shy Irish buyers.
Inside, the car is well finished but there are issues. The steering wheel buttons are numerous and can be confusing, the instrument display, while fresh, looks too familiar and very similiar to existing Ford models. This is a missed opportunity - it could have been impressive (especially with the additions of head-up dashboard display) - but it's boring.
Interior space is, however, one of the new Focus' greatest virtues and beats many competitors hands down. Leg and headroom are very generous and even with the fronts seats extended well back there is good space for rear passengers. Neither do those in the rear suffer because of the sloping roofline. On the hatchback the rear quarter lights (those little windows behind the back door) have been dropped. The cabin is also airy but it's let down a little by some drab plastic moulding.
The entry level Zetec gets 16" alloys; LED self-directing lights, a Ford 6.5" SYNC 3 display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, selectable drive modes, cruise contro and pre-collision assist that recognises vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The sporty ST-Line gets the above but with 17" sport alloys, ST-Line body kit, twin polished tail pipes, keyless start, interior sports trim and sports suspension.
The Titanium adds front and rear parking sensors, 8" SYNC 3 with navigation & Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, FordPass Connect (full connectivity and live traffic updates) , keyless entry and start and LED rear lights.
Overall, first impressions of the car are very good. Styling, space and performance are all impressive, as is the tuning of the car. With Ford personnel claiming this is the best car they have ever built, the bar is set high.
