New Ford Focus

[Biker Biggles]

Does the new Focus still eat front anti roll bars like they are Mars bars?A relative has one and these need replacement every other year.

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by BanannaMan

For the cost, I think the Ford Focus is a good deal.
Can't comment on the motor, a 2.0L Ti-VCT direct-injection I-4 engine is the only thing offered here.

The two litre Ti-VCT is (I think) only available in North America - most regions have the 1.6 version as I mistakenly purchased. Lots of people on various forums all grumbling about lack of torque when the temperature drops. The 2.0 may have a bit more oomph but I can't be bothered to look up the spec sheet.

When I replace the family car (currently happy with my '06 Mundaneo) I will consider something Japanese. Currently wavering between Mazda 6 and Toyota Avensis but it depends on what engines they have in them by then.

Must stop buying cars with my accountant's head on!

I really like my Mazda 6 (2.0litre TDI, 143bhp, '07 reg) but am equally impressed with Mrs Jabba's Skoda Roomster. Does what is asked of it and what we bought it for, dealers are excellent, cheap to run (fuel, servicing and insurance) - I can see why Skuds do well in the JDPower surveys.

Has the OP looked at a Skoda Rapid?

[Viney]

I had a go in one of the new 1.0 focus thingies yesterday. That was a little suprising. Torque is a little low(Compared to my BM123D), but for such a small engine in a big car, its quite pokey, if a little buzzy. I still love the handling on the Focus and is still whey above other Marques of the same size and illk

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by Viney

Torque is a little low(Compared to my BM123D)

Really? A two litre, 200bhp diseasal has more torque than a 1.0 three cylinder, 125horse petrol??? [/saracsm_mode]. (sorry).

According to Parkers specs pages the Beemer has 400Nm of torque and the 1.0 Ford Ecoboost has 200Nm. That 200 is still way better than the 159 in the 1.6 non-turbo dogmobile, and I'm still looking forward to picking up the 240Nm 1.6 turbo next week.

[Sir Trev]

I now have a Focus that can actually go up hills and overtake things without ten minutes planning. Hoorah!

This one has the 17in wheels which are slightly quieter and seem more planted than the 16in ones on the traded-in dogmobile.

Shame the M25 did it's car park impression on the way home from the dealer last night but at least it gave me time to put my own stations into the radio...

I have the Focus 1.0l 125PS Ecoboost and it is a surprising little car. For everyday stop-start type driving it is incredibly fuel efficient. My missus uses the car to drive to east London and back from Kent every day and she loves it. I've driven it over long distances on motorways etc. and it is good but not very efficient above speed limits being as it's only a small petrol engine.

There is no difference in punch from this engine than from my old 1.6 diesel bluemotion golf. The only difference I suppose would be with the amount of torque available when doing overtakes on inclines in 5th or 6th gear.

I would suggest you take it out on a test and try and mimic daily conditions as much as possible. If you call them and tell them that you would like a longer, real world test then I'm sure they would try and accommodate your request. If not, then take your business to a different dealer.

I've just been through the whole car buying process and one of the cars I drove was the 1.0 125ps Ford Focus, I was a surprising good car, interior felt decent enough and general build quality felt good. Definitely felt like it would last a few years of decent use. Engine wasn't really up to much on the motorway but would be completely ideal for town or city use with the occasional jaunt on the motorway. I wound up buying the new Merc A Class.

Originally Posted by Viney

I had a go in one of the new 1.0 focus thingies yesterday. That was a little suprising. Torque is a little low(Compared to my BM123D), but for such a small engine in a big car, its quite pokey, if a little buzzy. I still love the handling on the Focus and is still whey above other Marques of the same size and illk

A petrol engines torque will always be low compared to a diesels. Nevermind the it being twice the size haha. Diesels just lack the character i find (n).

My grandad was looking at having a fiesta not so long ago. Looking through the engines, i couldnt see much of a difference between the little 1.0 and the 1.6 and couldnt see too much of a difference tbh.

Glad you like the new car though. Bigger alloys and lower profile tyres make a difference at high speed dont they.

Cheers

Originally Posted by otaylor38

... Bigger alloys and lower profile tyres make a difference at high speed dont they...

Certainly makes a difference to the MPG I imagine