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Ford Focus 2011 5-door Road Test Report

2011 5-door Summary

The all-new, third-generation Focus arrives in March, and it’s the company’s first truly global car. That the Focus has been a UK best-seller since 1998 was further incentive for Ford to get it right, but March 2011 also marks Ford of Britain’s centenary, so there’s more than a little corporate pride in the mix too.

Performance

The 34 initial UK Focus variants are powered by nine different engine/transmission combinations, ranging from a 95PS 1.6-litre TDCi to a 150PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol and the range-topping 163PS 2-litre TDCi. Some are equipped with Auto Stop/Start as standard, while the two high-power engines have lots of urge as they pull strongly throughout the rev range. The 2.0 TDCi’s dual clutch PowerShift auto copes well while barreling along a twisty road, but for more precise control there’s a rocker button on the gear knob for manual gear selection. Performance figures range from 12.5 to 8.6 secs for the 0-62 sprint, with top speeds from 112 to 135mph.

Ride & Handling

Though it may not feel quite as lithe from behind the wheel as the old Focus, the latest incarnation rides and handles sublimely. The press launch was held in Spain where most roads shame what passes for roads here in the UK, but even on the occasional shoddy stretch the Focus rides brilliantly and has excellent body control and refinement. The car’s electric power steering is effectively beyond criticism, while grip is very impressive – should the tyres so much as chirp on a cool day then you’re almost certainly driving like a madman, at least on the public road.

Build Quality & Reliability

To quote from Ford’s own press material on the new Focus, “To emphasise the perception of quality, particular attention was also given to reducing all operational noises within the vehicle, such as the door closing sound. The result is a vehicle which approaches the standards of refinement and comfort more typically found in larger premium vehicles.” Well, that may be ‘Ford Speak’, but the new Focus is undoubtedly very refined and well-finished. Although Ford quality has improved substantially in recent times, this wasn’t reflected in the 2010 JD Power survey where the company came 21st out of 27 brands. Expect a significant improvement in the 2011 JDP survey.

Safety & Security

No sign at the time of writing of Euro NCAP crash test results for the 2011 Focus, but Ford has already subjected the new model to 80 crash tests, and with its enhanced Intelligent Protection System and ‘next generation’ airbags it’s effectively state of the art. And that’s without mentioning the long list of new (and optional) camera, radar and infra-red laser-based active safety technologies such as: Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Alert with Brake Support, Low Speed Safety System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Alert, Active Park Assist and a Blind Spot Info System. Security is covered by remote central locking with a Thatcham category 1 alarm.

Space & Practicality

Like the Focus’ exterior, the interior doesn’t break new ground in terms of design, and the cabin isn’t particularly capacious, but it’s well appointed and roomy enough, while driving position and seat comfort is beyond reproach. Boot space might be an issue though as at 277-litres (seats up, laden to parcel shelf and with full-sized spare wheel) it’s 108-litres smaller than the outgoing model’s. Even with seats down and laden to roof with space-saver spare it’s 1,101-litres, or 146-litres smaller than the old Focus. Still, it does at least boast a decent-sounding Sony DAB entertainment system with voice control, plus Bluetooth, USB connectivity and a good trip computer as standard on all models.

Ownership & Value

The Focus range starts with the Edge, and equipment levels become increasingly opulent in the Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X versions. All models also come with aircon as standard, while the two Titanium models add dual-zone climate control, LED ambient interior lighting, automatic wipers and headlamps, Hill Start Assist, tyre pressure warning and more. Prices start at £15,995 rising to £25,095, while CO2 and combined fuel consumption figures range from 109g/km and 67.3mpg to 139g/km and 53.3mpg. Ageing boy racers with fond memories of fast Fords of old may consider the new Focus to be too mature, quiet and refined, but millions won’t.

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Submitted: 11/02/2011 08:24:26

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