First UK Drive: Ford Focus Review [2011]

I’m not a huge Ford Focus fan. Yes, I’d happily take a free RS if one happened to be going spare, but generally the Focus hasn’t been a car I’d seriously consider buying. But could the all-new 2011 Focus change that?

This is a genuinely new car from the ground up, with fresh design, engineering and a cabin absolutely packed with technology — there are more buttons here than an X-wing cockpit. With a wide range of engines, trims and body styles available — four diesels and three petrol engines, plus hatchback, sporty estate and a rather handsome saloon aimed primarily at the US and Chinese markets — there’s a good chance most buyers will find something that suits them.

Design

It’s a grower. After spending around six hours with the new Focus, I have to say I really like it. The Mk2 always felt a bit bulky to me and never quite delivered on the promise of sportiness. The Mk3, by contrast, is lower, leaner and far easier on the eye. Even in standard trim, the front end looks aggressive and purposeful. Some people have mentioned the gap that makes the bonnet appear slightly open — I can confirm it isn’t, and personally I don’t mind it at all (it will be revised for the forthcoming ST).

From the side it’s less overtly aggressive, but the sweeping lines give it a smart, modern profile. It’s difficult to pin down exactly, but it feels like a blend of premium hatchback proportions with a hint of something more exotic thrown in for good measure.

My one styling reservation concerns the rear lights, which wrap around the back and stretch down the sides of the car. I’m not entirely sold on this look, although in the right colour it’s far less noticeable than expected.

Technology

The technology on offer is impressively forward-thinking, even on entry-level models. With prices starting under £16,000, standard equipment includes Bluetooth, USB connectivity, DAB radio, rear parking sensors, voice control and more. That’s a level of kit you’d have struggled to find on far more expensive cars not so long ago.

From March 2011, all new Focus models will also feature adjustable grille technology, which automatically opens and closes the front grille to regulate engine cooling. This helps the engine warm up more efficiently and improves aerodynamics by directing airflow around the car rather than straight through it.

For under £750, you can add the Driver Assistance Pack, which includes a front-mounted camera and an array of clever systems that, at times, make you wonder how much work the driver actually needs to do. These include:

• Traffic sign recognition, displaying speed limits and warnings on the dashboard
• Lane departure assistance, gently correcting the steering if you drift out of lane without indicating
• Low-speed collision mitigation, which can automatically brake below 19mph if an obstacle appears ahead

Some of these systems may occasionally feel a little intrusive, but they can be switched off if needed. Overall, they’re impressive additions and still unusual in this class.

Interior

The interior is a clear step up from the previous Focus. Build quality is solid and compares well with more expensive rivals. From the driver’s seat, everything feels well laid out, the materials are pleasing to the touch, and the seats strike a good balance between comfort and support. The buttons and controls feel robust and built to last.

It’s not luxury-car territory, but it doesn’t pretend to be. What it does offer is a significant improvement in both look and feel, and it should stand up well to everyday family use. Ambient lighting is included too — something of a gimmick, perhaps, but one that will no doubt appeal to younger buyers.

The Drive

Our test drive was in a 2011 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Titanium, fitted with the Convenience Pack (including active park assist and power mirrors) and the Titanium Appearance Pack. We had around half an hour behind the wheel, covering a mix of A-roads, B-roads and some more interesting sections.

The first surprise was how refined the Focus felt. The ride was smooth and quiet, noticeably more polished than expected, and it coped well with everything we threw at it — including a rather muddy car park.

The 115hp diesel engine isn’t especially powerful on paper, but it proved responsive and more than adequate in everyday driving. The six-speed manual gearbox was light and precise, although the clutch felt slightly less polished. Steering feel was decent rather than exceptional, but the car handled confidently. In slippery conditions, the ESP system could be felt subtly managing traction, suggesting it would take real effort to unsettle the car in normal driving.

The driving position is well judged, with good all-round visibility. If we’re being picky, the A-pillars are a little thick and can obscure vision slightly, but this is a common issue in modern cars and not a major drawback.

We also tried the active parking assist system. While many drivers pride themselves on their parallel parking skills, this system makes it almost foolproof. Simply activate it, drive past a space, follow the prompts, and the car takes care of the steering while you control the pedals. It’s impressively effective and undeniably clever.

Overall

Would I buy one? Honestly, probably not — at least not right now. As someone still clinging to their twenties, it feels like a slightly premature step into sensible motoring. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised to own one in the future.

Taken on its own merits, Ford has a strong contender here. The new Focus is an ideal choice for young families or as a practical second car, and it’s likely to be everywhere before long. Thanks to its global appeal, Ford has managed to keep costs competitive while delivering a well-equipped, well-engineered car.

In terms of quality, it’s edging ever closer to the Volkswagen Golf. It may not have the same badge appeal, but when it comes to value for money, the Focus arguably has the upper hand — and that makes it very hard to ignore.