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Ford Focus Hatchback

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Ford Focus Hatchback Review

Price range:

$21,990 - $36,590

Car Verdict rating:

Good:

Ride & handling (lower grades); Sharp European exterior design; Wide variety of choice across the variant range; Fuel efficiency on the diesel engine.

Not so Good:

Over complicated interior design; Jerky automatic transmissions; Poor turning circle on the higher grades fitted with the bigger wheels.

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Ford Focus Hatchback Competitors

Volkswagen Golf 45 from: $21,990 car review	Hyundai i30 40 from: $19,590 car review	Mazda 3 40 from: $20,330 car review
Kia Cerato 35 from: $20,240 car review	Toyota Corolla 35 from: $20,990 car review	Holden Cruze 35 from: $21,240 car review

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Ford Focus Hatchback Review

Design and Engineering	Good	Ford released its third-generation Focus in Australia in August 2011, available in both, four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, across a wide range of grades. The radical new design of the Focus is modern and edgy; the front of the vehicle features a large gaping mouth with two air vents at either side while the front grille has been squished into a slimline design. The side profile of the Focus is sleek and aggressive; the Focus Trend (entry model) is fitted with 16-inch alloys, but for full visual impact, the top-of-the-line Focus Titanium’s 18-inch alloys fill the wheel arches for a more masculine appeal. At the rear the Focus features some rather unique tail lights that start from the boot and wrap their way around and onto the side of the vehicle. Exterior fit and finish is top notch with minimal panel gaps around the entire vehicle.
Design and Engineering	Not so good	The rear bumper doesn’t seem to match the radical design of the rest of the vehicle, instead Ford have used a conservative design with straight, flat lines. Ford has also opted for a round ‘chrome’ look exhaust tip instead of an oval, flat design that would better suit the cars sporty exterior.
Interior and Styling	Good	Ford claim that they have improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and I tend to agree. The interior is very quiet; with minimal road and wind noise present in the cabin. The Ford Focus features a very modern looking interior; the dash is finished in soft touch plastic that is black with touches of alloy look highlights on the door handles and centre console (Titanium model). The Focus also features some pretty comfortable seats that offer up good levels of support; however they could do with a little more side bolstering as you tend to slide while pushing through corners at speed.
Interior and Styling	Not so good	While the Focus looks and feels premium, it comes across a little fussy, there is a s*#load of buttons on the centre console, the information display is also complicated and not very easy to navigate.
Performance	Good	The Ford Focus comes with the choice of three engines two petrol and one diesel. Kicking things off is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that manages 92kW of power and 159Nm of torque when matched to a five-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (optional). Next is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that manages 125kW of power and 202Nm of torque when matched to a five-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (optional). Last but not least the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 120kW of power and a massive 340Nm of torque. Our test subjects were the 2.0-litre petrol and the 2.0-litre diesel; both engines were fitted with a 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch transmission. The 6-speed automatic is definitely setup with the driving enthusiast in mind as the auto box changes gears quickly and aggressively.
Performance	Not so good	Because the 6-speed automatic is set up for quick shifting the car tends to jolt during low speed manoeuvres and city driving.
Ride and Handling	Good	Ride and handling is top notch; the Ford Focus is a solid performer. The chassis feels tight and ready for action; pushing the Focus through some twisty country roads you notice very minimal bodyroll and only slight mid corner understeer. The solid and direct steering wheel feel gives great driver feedback. The Ford Focus certainly inspires driver confidence with a good level of grip, smooth and responsive handling.
Ride and Handling	Not so good	The larger 18-inch wheels fitted to the Titanium grade really hampers turning circle and low speed maneuverability.
Buying and Owning	Good	The Ford Focus is a great package and a solid performer. There is the choice of three engines across three different variants. The 2.0-litre diesel is a great engine that is smooth, quiet and refined. The diesel is definitely our engine of choice.
Buying and Owning	Not so good	Does the freshly styled Ford Focus have what it takes to go up against the likes of Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Holden Cruze, Hyundai i30 or Volkswagen Golf? Only time will tell.