Usually about Ford Focus say Yes… don’t even know what I’m saying because, despite the abundance of them on the roads, as well as the fact that mark has repeatedly been among the most sold (according to the results of 2010 year, for example), she is not at the hearing. Kind of a workhorse, which is known just that the “must take”.
I also have a Ford, but the Explorer, so take the Focus on the test was doubly interesting, especially because, as I told the Network, in the category “small middle class” Focus has no equal.
But it all belonged to the old version. What American giant has made the new after restyling the third regeneration of many beloved car?
So, what has changed?
Externally (by the way about the changes that affected the exterior) Focus 3rd generation continues the tradition of its predecessors. On the street in close traffic you still can find good old Ford, even with the new design elements. But not everything remained the same. Much has changed, first of all — and this is very evident, the front of the car. The hood was slightly longer and the lights appeared over a narrow “squint”. While the grille has become wider, that allowed to give the look of the car a more brutal look.
Body as a whole remained at the same size (length — 4358 mm, width 1823 mm, height — 1484 mm). Not the most compact car (e.g. Toyota Auris much smaller, which gives it extra bonus on city Parking lots). But the American car began to look more dynamic: look at raised body lines — if the Focus slices through the air!
On the road the rapid design, by the way, is confirmed by the dynamic characteristics of the model: behind the wheel you feel like sitting in a town car and a sports car, speed it is clearly be a little more than the 149 horses at a price of 650 thousand for the basic package.
Innovations in power units
However, not enough to create a new body (or to produce high-quality restyling, as in this case) — a good car should have a good engine (otherwise it will not be so fast to run around the country roads). Ford is constantly working on the engines of their cars, improving their performance and reducing the percentage of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. A different story in terms of efficiency — Focus surpassed himself and on the road eats only about 5 liters. The city claimed consumption of 5.9 liters, but I think he is actually more, although it depends on the nature of the movement, of course if in traffic idle endless consumption will only grow, I have it made up to 10 liters, I guess.
The 1.5 EcoBoost engine combined with a 6-speed automatic allows you to accelerate to 210 km/h, the rate of acceleration to weave — just 9.3 seconds.
A little bit about b control system of the new Ford Focus analyze traction 100 times per second, allowing you to achieve a light and smooth running even on the most uneven roads. For the driver, this means improved handling and vehicle stability on the road. Entering the turns, the handling while driving straight, braking, start — everything is balanced at the highest level.
Focus rear suspension multi-link is what she had to say “thank you” for the incredible softness and smoothness in the bumps.
Test drive
I liked it.
No, not so: I LIKED it.
Considering that before that I was pretty disappointed enough elite Japanese, I was surprised how comfortable everything is done in fords (although, perhaps, an important role was played by the fact that I have a very car of the same brand), as far as the smooth running of the car. Amazing smooth start and drive, easy steering and instant response even in the most insignificant action of the driver — that’s what I liked Tccc. Yes, insulation is, of course, not quite perfect, but overall acceptable for the price that the manufacturer asks.
The lounge is very comfortable, despite the small size of the car, in the driver’s seat safely accommodate even a tall man, but rear seats are not enough, but if you carry there, for example, children, the car will become an irreplaceable helper for every day.
The instrument panel in the spirit of Ford: nothing more (although the panel is very fancy, I must say, a lot of different lotions and just useful functions, such as point cigarette lighter under the windscreen, which is convenient to connect a radar or radar detector), all in their places, the purpose of each button detail thought out and intuitive for any driver.
Especially good Ford Focus in the city: not only that it is more economical than any competitor, and a parallel or perpendicular Parking on it — it is three seconds! A special system at the entrance and exit helps to find a comfortable place or leave it without problems even for inexperienced driver. In addition, the technology of Active City Stop in any emergency situation independently slow the car if there is a threat of collision.
Works great and the system of monitoring of blind zones — in case of the sudden appearance of obstacles, the computer sends a signal to the driver.
On trim (for those interested)
Ford Focus is available in three trim levels — Ambiente, SYNC, Edition and Titanium. The basic version that costs 649 000 rubles, it is considered equipment Ambiente. Esmotrya that it is basic, it offers all the priority safety systems: ABS, EBD, ESP, TC, EBA, HLA. Of course, not without anchorages for child seats ISOFOX. Front airbags, Central locking, front electric Windows, adjustable steering wheel, adjustable driver’s seat, folding rear seats, etc. In General — simple and standard set of options that are needed in every modern car.
In picking SYNC Edition plus database are also side mirrors with heating, air conditioning (Yes, that’s what’s missing at the Ambiente in the summer heat!), high quality audio system, voice control system, rear lift glass, heated front seats. Version of such a car will cost you 971 000 roubles.
Well, Titanium will finally be able to convince the driver to choose it for the following reasons: extra exterior decoration (led, chrome finish, black bezel headlights, aluminum pads, etc.), and rain and light sensors, heated windscreen, engine start button, climate-control, dashboard — LCD display, even the heated steering wheel… in Addition, the developers have made every effort to keep the driver and passengers may conveniently be in the cabin — sports seats front-row, which are adjustable in height and pressure on the lumbar area.
In terms of pricing the Ford Focus surpassed its direct competitors — same or Volkswagen Golf, for example, Renault Megan. The first is from 1197 000 rubles for a standard, second — from 699 000 rubles. The “filling” that the Germans that the French are about the same.
Will sell the new Ford Focus as actively as its predecessors?
Perhaps, Yes. And there are many reasons: first, this model for more than 10 years presence on the market appeared a huge army of admirers and, secondly, efficiency and speed are really impressive, which is important both in the city and on the highways.
In General, the case when abusal)
