Diesel Hatchback A Worthy Contender
Ford’s Focus small car shows-off its European pedigree with sharp on-road dynamics, a choice of competent petrol or diesel engines, modern styling and smart interiors.
The Focus goes head-to-head against a strong field in the small car segment but definitely should be on every shopping list.
What You Get
While Ford Australia is best known for its locally built vehicles – Falcon and Territory – its lineup of internationally-sourced products continues to impress. The Focus - designed in Germany and, in the case of the TDCi diesel, powered by an engine shared by Ford, Citroen and Peugeot - highlights the global strength of the ‘Blue Oval’ company.
The Focus model range includes sedans and hatchbacks but currently the TDCi diesel powerplant is only offered in hatchback form.
Car Showroom tested the diesel-powered Ford Focus TDCi hatch and after a week we were very impressed by the high-tech Ford.
Under The Hood
In Australia, Focus has three engines available – the 2.0-litrel Duratec four-cylinder petrol (107kW/185Nm) or the 2.5-litre five cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (166kW/320Nm) fitted to the rapid range-topping XR5 turbo model and, as tested by Car Showroom, the 2.0-litre four cylinder Duratorq diesel (100kW/320Nm).
An engine shared with Citroen and Peugeot, the diesel is the latest common rail design and returns fuel consumption as low as 5.6l/100kms (manual version). On the emissions front, the Focus is rated at 147 g/km for CO2 (manual).
Diesel-powered Focus models are unique in the lineup with their transmissions – the automatic is a six-speed sequential (manuals are also a six-speed like the XR5 Turbo).
Typically for a current specification European diesel, refinement levels are high and performance is spirited – only the usual minor rattle when started cold first thing in the morning.
The Interior
The European design of the Focus is again evident in the stylish interior. In fact in terms of quality trim materials and appointments, the Focus probably punches above its weight compared to some more meager segment rivals.
Our TDCi model provided a nice four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with adjustment for both rake and reach. The wheel-mounted controls for the audio system are a bit clumsy but the instrumentation is typically Ford Europe – sensible, well laid-out and easy to use (without consulting the owners manual).
The front seats are good but could benefit from cushion tilt adjustment and/or under-thigh support (XR5 Turbo models get great Recaro sports leather seats).
In the rear, seating is comfortable and we liked the extra angle of the seat cushion which provided nice support. Legroom is competitive with other cars in this segment.
Audio-wise there is a single CD AM/FM system with iPod and USB connectivity.
Luggage space (rear seat in place) is 385 litres.
Exterior & Styling
While previous generations of Focus hatches and sedans were noticeably conservative in their styling, improvements to the current range have given it a lot more sharpness.
The three-window side profile remains and we like the deep sculpturing around the bonnet and front fenders.
At the rear, Focus presents in a modern way with stylish taillights and a nicely shaped rear hatch.
The TDCi model we tested rode on five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.
On The Road
We put the Focus through our usual mixture of city, freeway and mountain roads and it was most impressive.
The TDCi diesel is one of the best with nice responsiveness and acceleration plus relaxed highway cruising (and of course sub-6.0l/100kms economy).
With independent front suspension and Ford’s Control Blade independent rear, Focus delivers European style ride and handling – sharp and precise with ride levels a tad firmer than rivals from Japan and Korea.
Noise suppression and suspension control over bumps and tram/train track crossings was especially impressive.
On the safety front, the Focus is rated five stars by Australian NCAP. The TDCi model we tested comes with front, side and side curtain airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control.
Challenges
The only demerit points we would score for the Focus are for road noise on the freeway. While wind noise was commendably low, the tyres seemed to growl somewhat.
Verdict
The Focus TDCi is an impressive package and we liked it a lot. It’s a genuine, contemporary European small car and the 2.0-litre diesel combines nicely with a well-sorted chassis.
The Competition
It’s a tough field in the small car segment.
Also from Europe, Holden’s Astra is the most direct rival - the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel matches the Focus for torque and squeezes out an extra 10kW of power.
Designed in Europe, but made in Korea, the Hyundai i30 is less dollars but the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel doesn’t deliver the same power or torque.
Peugeot’s 207 costs a bit more than the Focus and its 1.6-litre turbo diesel also falls short in power and torque while Volkswagen’s Golf 2.0-litre turbo-diesel delivers the same torque and three more kilowatts of power but also requires more coin.
Likes
European style and quality; excellent driving dynamics
Dislikes
Tyre noise on freeways
