The instrument binnacle was well laid out with two large analogue dials, plus two smaller ones, in addition to a comprehensive digital information panel. There was a further digital panel in the centre console below the CD slot and above the audio system controls. It took me a little while to set the mirrors, adjust the seat and steering wheel to my requirements and set all the various information sources. This latter function is all very computerised, so younger people will experience no difficulties on that score, but for older chaps like myself, it takes that bit longer. So far the Focus was acquitting itself well. My first negative reaction came when I started to drive off. The thin rimmed, plasticky feel of the steering wheel felt absolutely horrible, after that thick, leather covered one I had become accustomed to. My immediate reaction was that this car was built down to a price, whereas the previous one was built up to a standard.
Of course, one must always compare like with like. That previous car was a four seater sporty coupe, whereas this one is a five seater, five door family hatchback. It is around two thirds of the price of that sporty coupe, so it is only natural that some things may not feel quite as good. I was prepared for the fact that its 1.6 litre diesel engine was tuned to get the best fuel consumption and lowest exhaust emissions possible, so its performance would appear to be rather tame in comparison. I was also prepared for the fact that, as it had a manual five speed gearbox, driving it was going to be much more of an effort.
Its 1.6 litre diesel engine is the fruit of a joint Peugeot/Ford co-operation. Basically it is an excellent engine, but in this installation it is very modestly tuned. In fact its specific output is a lowly 42.307 kW/lt, which is positively antediluvian by today’s standards. However, if you remind yourself that this is designed to be a spacious, comfortable, economical family car, its overall performance proves to be highly satisfactory. Overall top speed is said to be 177 kph (109 mph), while 0-100 kph acceleration takes 12.6 seconds. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that from a family motoring point of view. On test it cruised along the motorway, with four adults and a lot of luggage aboard, at 120 kph (75 mpg), the legal maximum, without effort. Indeed you had to keep a close eye on the speedometer, as it would all too easily creep up over that speed given the slightest encouragement, such as a minor downgrade in the road.
Most of my driving was done in city and suburban conditions, apart from that extended trip of around 200 km (124 miles) up and down the motorway. To be honest I do not know what my actual fuel consumption was, but I did notice that the fuel gauge moved very slowly from full towards empty. That is always a good trait in a family car. The official figures suggest 50 mpg (5.6 lt/100 km) on the urban cycle, stretching to 73 mpg (3.8 lt/100 km) on the extra urban cycle and giving an average of 62 mpg (4.5 lt/100 km) on the combined cycle. I am quite sure that most family car owners and drivers, would be more than happy with that performance. I don’t think that I managed anything as good as that. According to the on-board computer my average was around 51 mpg (5.5 lt/100 km).

There are, however, other factors which are less attractive from a family car point of view. For example the rear seats do not appear to be equipped with ISOfix fittings for child safety seats. This is a glaring deficiency in this day and age, when the law requires young children to be accommodated in child safety seats. The car does have childproof locks on the two rear doors and only the two front windows are electrically operated. The two exterior rear view mirrors are also electrically adjustable.
The rear bench seat is divided 60/40. The cushions lift up into a vertical position behind the two front seats, allowing the seat backs to drop down into a horizontal position, giving a virtually level extended luggage floor. I say virtually level position, because the black polystyrene tray that surrounds the spare wheel, below the boot floor, extends up just a little bit higher than the folded seat backs. It is not, however, a problem.
Normal luggage capacity, between the boot floor and the underside of the rear shelf, when all seats are in use, is a satisfactory 0.282 cubic metres. When the rear seats are folded, the shelf removed and you load to the roof, this expands to 1.144 cubic metres.
If you need all five seats, as a family going on holiday normally does, as well as the maximum luggage space, your best alternative is to fit an approved roofbox. The roof box can accommodate up to a maximum weight of 75 kg, but that includes the weight of the box itself and the necessary rails and cross bars to secure it to the roof. If that is insufficient for your needs, then you may need to think in terms of a trailer. This model can take unbraked trailers of up to 665 kg in weight, or braked trailers of up to 1155 kg. Trailer towing should not be a problem, as the car comes with a proper full size spare wheel. The only compromise is that it a pressed steel wheel, rather than an alloy one. Interestingly although it was a full size wheel with a full size tyre, it still carried an 80 kph limit sticker ! Obviously somebody is paid to stick these warnings on spare wheels and does so regardless of whether they are required or not.

Above left : Normal luggage space --------------- Above right : Maximum luggage space

Above : Full size spare wheel and tyre plus polystyrene storage tray

From a driving point of view, the Focus is comfortable and conveniently laid out. The steering wheel adjusts for both reach and height, as does the driver’s seat. In addition the driver’s seat also adjusts for backrest angle. All five seats are fitted with adjustable head restraints and three point lap and shoulder seat belts. The panel over on the right hand side of the facia, between the steering wheel and the door, has a rotary switch for the lights, which includes front and rear fog lights. When illuminated, an indicator light shows in the instrument binnacle. This is particularly appreciated as it draws the driver’s attention to the fact that both the front fog lamps and the rear fog warning light may be switched on. Alongside the rotary switch, there is a knurled wheel for adjusting the level of the headlamps.

Under the instrument hood, the large dial on the left is the tachometer, while the matching one on the right is the speedometer. The two smaller dials are, engine temperature (left) and fuel level (right). The digital panel between the two large dials can give a huge variety of different information. I had it set to show the time, outside air temperature, distance to empty, total distance recorder and trip recorder. It can also indicate other things like an open door etc. When the audio is not in use, the digital panel in the centre console shows the date and the time. When the audio is in use it indicates things like the station selected, wave band etc. The three rotary switches below the audio panel are for, ventilation fan speed (left), temperature selector (centre) and cabin distribution (right). The small button on the right activates the air-conditioning, while the one on the left is for recirculation. Two rectangular buttons ahead of the gearlever are for windscreen and rear window heating. Under the silver panel there is a 12v plug socket. Behind the gearlever there are two cupholders and an open rectangular storage space.
The steering has a light, yet direct feeling, with 2.95 turns from lock to lock. The brakes always seemed up to the job required and incorporate all the normally expected features like anti-lock, electronic force distribution and emergency brake assist. The system also includes an electronic stability programme with traction control.
This model is equipped with a five speed manual gearbox. The gear ratios seem well suited to the driving characteristics. For example, cruising along the motorway at around 120 kph (75 mph), in fifth gear indicated an engine speed of around 2,300 rpm. Although maximum torque is delivered at 1,750 rpm, the car seemed willing to accept the next ratio when it reached 2,000 rpm, even though it then dropped back to around 1,300 rpm. Of course you only change up at those speeds when you are crawling along in city/suburban traffic and you want to drive as economically as possible. The gearchange itself is certainly not the smoothest I have ever encountered. It could be a bit notchy at times, but then it could also surprise you by going in sweetly and smoothly on other occasions.
Finally, taken with its other excellent family oriented qualities, the fact that this specification records exhaust emissions of just 118 gm/km, putting it into Irish road tax band A, which, at present rates, demands a ransom of 104 euro per year, must put it high up on the family motorists’ list of preferred cars.

Technical data.