Ford Focus Trend
SHOWING ITS AGE, BUT STILL WITH AMPLE DRIVER APPEAL
FORD may have gradually toned down the scalpelsharp dynamics of its era-defining small car over the years, but the Ecoboost-powered Focus Trend proves that keen driving spirit remains a touchstone for the Blue Oval brand.
Introduced here in mid-2015, this major facelift of the third-generation Focus debuted a brand new 132kw 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine – replacing the torqueless old 2.0-litre GDI donk – as well as a revised chassis with a stiffer front-end, re-tuned dampers and a new electric-steering calibration to significantly enhance its driver appeal.
But there has also been a tangible increase in the perceived value of the Focus. With the povvo-spec Ambiente relegated to history, the entry-level Trend treads a similar path to Holden’s Astra R in that it conceals the fact you could only afford the cheap seats. Front fog lights, attractive 16-inch wheels, (non-led) daytime running lights and a handsome, gender-neutral appearance give the ageing Ford surprising driveway cred.
It’s reasonably well-equipped, too, with most of the fundamentals receiving a tick. A leather-bound steering wheel, dual front lumbar adjustment, idlestop system, reversing camera with parking sensors and a new 8.0-inch centre touchscreen featuring sat-nav and emergency assistance bring this affordable Ford up to par, though its new centre-stack switchgear doesn’t look too special, including basic push-button air-con, and AEB is only available on the $32K Titanium.
But, unlike the Astra, the Focus’s cabin ambience betrays its price. Coal-mine grey with very firm seats and lots of plastic, it doesn’t make a great first impression. Same goes for the rear seat’s lack of overhead grab handles, air vents, a centre armrest or adequate door bins. But if you can get past the visual austerity, there’s much to like in its overall seat support, decent driving position, new steering wheel (with weirdly coarse covering) and space.
Focus’s main drawcard, however, is its ability to please. With newfound urge from the feisty turbo 1.5, the Focus Trend finally has the grunt to flatter its dynamic fluency, despite a Sport transmission mode
that isn’t particularly sporty (and a horrendous tipshift toggle on the side of the gearlever for manual inputs). There’s enough torque to compensate most of the time, backed by a subtle induction rasp, but the Focus is all about the delicious nuance of its independent rear-end. The way it pivots the car into a corner has Focus DNA written all over it, and while the revised steering isn’t as incisive as the Civic’s, or as quick as the Ford’s eager chassis deserves, there’s a level of communication that’s both encouraging and confidence-inspiring.
Focus’s ride is on the firm side, if beautifully controlled, but in combination with those unyielding seats and a fair amount of road noise, it’s starting to become obvious that Ford’s small-car mainstay is rapidly approaching retirement age.
Just have a look at its weight. An old-fashioned 1393kg of lard doesn’t affect its dynamic verve, but it sure is noticeable at the pump. The Trend’s official figure is 6.2L/100km, though real-world testing says it demands a gentle touch to hit that mark.
As in our December 2015 comparo (against Golf and Corolla), the Focus Trend was the thirstiest car on test, nudged into last place by the low-mileage Astra. But it’s also among the quickest cars in its class, with an engaging aural personality and delightful dynamic proficiency. In a nondescript, workmanlike auto hatch, that’s an ability we value immensely. NP