It seems Ford isn’t prepared to see the competition run away with the lion’s share of the rapidly growing turbo-diesel market. Among the recently launched new Focus models is a very competent 2,0 TDCi.
The Focus is available in either four-door sedan or five-door hatch — the latter aimed squarely at Renault’s 1,9 Megane and VW’s Golf IV Sportline, while Alfa’s 147 and BMW’s 120d could also be seen in the same league, although they’re more expensive. The Golf is realistically the Ford’s nearest competitor when it comes to features, engine power, delivery and, to a larger extent, price.
Firstly, they’re both attractive, offer the latest in safety, performance and features, while both engines deliver a stump-pulling 320Nm. The Golf outshoots the Focus in the kW war by just three units — 103kW to 100kW — so there’s very little to choose between them. Both have six-speed gearboxes driving the front wheels, along with stability and traction control. Even the tyre size is identical.
The Focus pips the Golf in the appearance department, with attractive high-level tail lights and newly restyled headlights. Slightly larger than its predecessor, the new Focus has a more muscular stance — highlighted by flared wheel arches. Vision out the rear window isn’t the greatest, so liberal use of the electronic side mirrors is required.
The new Focus is equipped with larger ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear, all connected to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system, that provide effective stopping power, maximise directional control and lengthen brake pad and tyre life. It also has the advanced dynamic aid mechanical (Adam) system, which is a mechanical brake assist system designed to reduce emergency stopping distances by as much 40% over its predecessor.
For safety, it is equipped with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters as well as front air bags as standard. It also has the new 3D design thorax-protecting side air bags.
The interior of the Focus is both functional and attractive, while the soft-form dash, which houses the instrument cluster, is a classy act. There is a great-sounding standard radio/CD combo, which accepts auxiliary input for iPods and the like, and it is surrounded by aluminium lookalike trim. The instruments are easy to read from any angle, and the onboard trip computer also shows range, fuel consumption and outside temperature.
The steering wheel and driver’s seat are fully adjustable, while there are satellite controls for the audio system just below the indicator stalk. The seats are covered in attractive velour and the rear legroom in the hatch is the best I’ve seen. The boot is also very large, at 385 litres. The spare wheel is of the space-saver ‘marie biscuit” variety.
Driving the Focus is a rewarding experience, and the ride is very smooth and comfortable, especially given that the 16-inch alloys are shod with rather low 205/55-series rubber.
Handling is quite crisp and there’s the usual understeer in tight corners, but it is easy to manage. Consumption, as in all the other turbo diesels I’ve tested, is good. The test car sipped a frugal 7,6 litres around the city, although that should drop to the low sixes on highways.
The Focus should reach a respectable 205kph, while the zero to 100kph dash is claimed to be 9,3 seconds.
The wise buyer will deliberate for a long time. At R194 900, the Ford is almost R33 000 cheaper than its German rival (R227 820), offers more space in all departments and is almost identical in features and safety — although the Golf feels more confident. Both will cruise at speeds well above the national limit and offer superb fuel consumption levels.
There is a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan along with a three-year warranty over the same distance. In short, the Focus offers exceptional value for money.