New Focus Follows in Old Focus Footsteps
The New Focus has been very successful over the first month of its release. It has had alot of positive automotive coverage which was continued in the Sun with this article written by Ken Gibson.
The Focus has been Britain’s best-selling new car for most of the past decade and the latest version went straight to No2 last month, the biggest sales month of the year.
It was kept off the top spot by its Fiesta stable mate, but it is breathing down the neck of its little brother. I predicted the Focus would be a smash hit when we tested the car at the start of the year — and having just spent a week with one on British roads, I’m even more convinced.
More importantly for Ford, it appears the great British public are already voting for it with their hard—earned cash.
It is a family hatchback with no real weakness and a whole lot of virtues. Its pin-sharp steering, slick six-speed gearbox and handling you’d expect in a sports car but with comfort levels you wouldn’t expect, make the daily drive something to look forward to. The engine line-up is stronger with the latest petrol and diesel units, both delivering better economy and CO9 emissions that are now even more crucial factors for family car buyers. Although the 1.6litre petrol is the more sporty drive and 47mpg is impressive. I’d still go for the 1.6litre turbo diesel with 67mpg - although I got just over 50mpg driving it hard. There’s also the option of a 2litre diesel and early next year will see an ultra-low 94g/km CO2 ECOnetic that will return 80mpg.
The other good news is that the Focus is once again a model with strong styling, after the slightly subdued design of the last one. It looks much sportier, especially from the front, while the raking coupé roofline gives it a more dramatic road presence. And it’s an even more practical car. First, there’s no three-door version. just a five-door and estate, with more rear leg and headroom for passengers. Boot space is increased to 1,062 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Ford have been improving the quality of their cabins for the past few years and the Focus is further evidence, with a more upmarket feel and soft-touch plastics. But some of the secondary trim has a slightly low- rent feel. The cabin is well laid out with a modern, hi-tech styling and gadgets you’d expect in cars from the class above, such as air con, Blue- tooth, voice control and USB connection.
The Focus is now the ideal all-round package for the family. With a price range from £15,995 to £25,095 there’s a model to suit most budgets, especially as the car can already be found with special deals at some retailers.
Ford have clearly focussed attention on making a very good car even better.
