Ford keeps its focus on best-seller
THE new Ford Focus will be in showrooms later this summer so I thought it a good time to take a look at the existing model – one of Britain’s best-selling cars.
The Mark 3 Focus has been around for a very long time – basically since 2011 – so there have been a wide range of different engines over that time.
There was also a redesign and upgrade in 2014 so I’ll concentrate on this later version.
EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engines are 1.0-litre and 1.5 with power ranging from 100bhp to 182bhp, and lowest emissions of just 99 grammes per kilometre.
On the diesel front there are 1.5 and 2.0-litre units, and the 1.5, in best Econetic trim, claims an average of 83mpg and emissions of just 88g/km.
All models now have five doors, and the range is limited to hatch and estate. There is no replacement for the slow selling steel roofed coupecabriolet and that’s a shame, because it’s one of the few that’s good looking with the roof up.
There have been 22 different trim options during the car’s life, so make sure any you like have everything you want!
The 2014 facelift brings new front end and grille incorporating slimmer headlights, and LED rear lights.
Inside, the cabin materials were improved and there’s an eight-inch screen for the infotainment system, plus new instruments.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is available with two outputs – 100bhp and 125bhp, but performance is not great in the lower one, which takes 12.5 seconds to get from 0-62mph.
All the 1.5 engines, both petrol and diesel, have good urge and while the petrols claim an average of 51mpg, the diesels offer 23mpg more at 74mpg.
This Focus has an excellent ride that puts it right up there with the VW Golf, but it’s worth remembering that ST-Line models have sports suspension, and this makes comfort worse.
In the corners all are fluid and fun, while not quite reaching the balance and grip levels of some others, and the fairly uninformative steering is a bit of a let down.
Mid-range Zetec comes with traction control, loads of airbags, air con, heated electric mirrors, driver’s lumbar support, sports seats, alloys and audio remote control.
There is also a raft of electronic safety to help keep things on the straight and narrow, and many will have added spec from the extras list to please original owners.
Pay about £7,450 for a ’14 14-reg Zetec 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125bhp, or £11,750 for a ’16 16-reg TDCI 120bhp.