Ford Focus
I may have upsized to a pram-friendly station wagon, but I still enjoy getting behind the wheel of a more agile beast when possible. So you could say I jumped at the opportunity to do an extended test drive of the all-new Ford Focus Titanium Hatch recently.
Styling
This model is a completely new design and build, with striking looks and European-style interior with leather trim. The Titanium model brings the bling with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED driving lights, fog lights that double as parking/turning lights and sparkly paint.
The optional sports-pack on the model I tried also featured a sliding sunroof, just perfect for breezy Spring days.
Inside, the Sony Audio system dominates the centre console and the dash is fetchingly lit in aqua blue. The steering wheel has more buttons than a flight control panel - not necessarily a good thing - and there is a centre console touch screen, but no sat nav.
Compact in size, the Focus still holds a carload of adults in comfort. As designated driver on a recent girls’ night out, the praise from the ladies in the rear was effusive.
Boot space is generous in the sedan (421 litres) and acceptable in the hatch (316 litres).
Driveability
Our model featured a 2.0L Duratorq TDCI diesel engine, with a 6 speed -Powershift automatic transmission. I’m a convert to modern diesel engines – they’re incredibly fuel-efficient, with little engine noise and no noticeable diesel smell.
The combination makes for a powerful, smooth and quiet ride, on back streets or freeways.
The all-new Focus includes Ford Eco Mode, a new driver information system which monitors driving behaviour and provides drivers with clear feedback about their eco-driving performance and simple tips on how to save fuel – ensuring your driving is not only healthier for the environment but also for your back pocket!
Handling is sharp and quick, yet the car also feels solid, which is something many smaller and lighter cars lack.
Parking is a breeze thanks to the parking sensors which indicate with a colour-coded system how close to external objects you are. I want to retro-fit it too my current car immediately.
Premium Ford Focus models also feature the hands-free ‘Active Park Assist’ option which – wait for it – allows the car to identify the best car park in the vicinity and then park itself! For those not comfortable with reverse parallel parking this feature will be a revelation. I must admit I was too scared to use it - and as an ex-resident of Darlinghurst, I'm quite adept at extreme parking.
Safety
The new Ford Focus has been award 5-stars by ANCAP.
It features individual single-stage front airbags and 3D side thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as standard side curtain airbags for the first and second row seats.
The side airbags come with adaptive venting technology, which takes into account the size of the occupant, varying the pressure so that smaller occupants, i.e., teens and children, withstand a lower pressure.
Other safety features include stability control, torque vectoring control, anti-lock braking (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and emergency brake assist (EBA), dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control (TCS) and hill launch assist (HLA).
Price
Starting prices for the new Ford Focus are from $21,990 for the Ambiente model, $24,490 for the Trend, $27,390 for the Sport, and $35,590 for the Titanium. This puts in the range of the VW Golf, Holden Cruze and Mazda 3.
Buy it if...
You are after a small family car packed with features, that doesn’t compromise on safety or design.
