Lots of FOXY Ladies love Fords (other brands are available too of course…). And we know to trust Ford to be ahead of others when it comes to technology. Ford’s new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to offer SYNC 2, an advanced connectivity system. Suzanne Keen travelled to Spain to test drive this model with women in mind…
What is it?
The new Ford Focus has been given a fresh new interior and exterior look with a new front end that mirrors the Fiesta and Mondeo with an improved fit and finish on the rear.
First impressions of the new Ford Focus?
The new Focus has been designed to look more sophisticated and mature with improved fuel economy (on average 8% less CO2 for diesel models and 5.5% less for Petrol versions). Aerodynamics are also improved by under-body shields and active grille shutters.
What about the interior?
On first impressions the dashboard seems huge but once you start driving you soon forget about this – especially if you splash out on the 8” Touchscreen Sync 2 media system. This system allows for voice control of the air conditioning, radio, phone and navigation and it actually works, although you may find yourself talking like a robot!
Seats are comfortable with plenty of adjustment, there’s a re-sizeable centre console with sliding brackets and a very sporty looking steering wheel – this is also available heated but we didn’t feel the need to test that out in the Spanish sunshine.
And on the road?
We drove the 2.0L Diesel Estate (150bhp) and the 1.5 Ecoboost Hatchback (182bhp) – both in 6 speed manual. Engine options for the UK market will include 1.6 , 1.5 and 2.0 diesel options and a 1.0 Ecoboost Petrol – the 1.5 Ecoboost engine will be available to order.
Focus in the city
The Focus is agile, making it an easy car to drive around town. It has an 11m turning circle and the optional Active Parking Assist (for both parallel and perpendicular spaces) making manouevres effortless.
If parking isn’t your strong point there’s also the extra “Park Out Assist” which will get you out of a tight parallel parking space.
Focus on the open road
The mountains around Malaga made for an excellent test track and the Focus was certainly up to the job. Ole! Both the 2.0L Common Rail Diesel and 1.5 Ecoboost were well able for the challenge and the new Focus was designed with enhanced agility and precision in mind.
Suspension-wise this generation of Focus has undergone many adjustments to improve the driving experience including thicker engine bay brackets, upgraded shock absorbers, stiffer bushes and stronger welds.
Following improvements to the structure of the front end it is as smooth on country roads as it’s steady on motorways.
Cabin noise has also been reduced through improved insulation in the wheel arches, mirror hinges, door trims, tailgate and carpet.
How Much?
Prices for the Eco-boost petrol engine with 98 or 123bhp will start at £18,295 and £18,795 respectively, or the new 1.5 TDCi diesel four-cylinder with 94 or 118bhp priced (in Style and Zetec trim respectively) at £17,995 and £19,495.
How Safe?
As we said, Ford does technology brilliantly but sadly many of its cleverest safety features are still extras.
For example, Cross Traffic Alert will recognise oncoming vehicles in a 40m range when pulling out of a parking space and Active City Stop will prevent a slow speed collision.
Enhanced Transitional Stability technology intervenes with moderate stabilisation braking when it senses an avoidance manoeuvre.
These are all brilliant features making driving safer.
3 words to describe the Ford Focus: Practical, Reliable, Fun
For more information on the new Focus check out Ford.co.uk and the Ford UK Facebook page.
This is a Car Review for women written by wheelsforwomen.co.uk; a website offering honest, informative and jargon-free car reviews, news and features. Even better, all reviews are written by women for women.
