ALL-NEW 2011 FORD FOCUS IS AT YOUR DEALERSHIP

Ford launched the all-new Focus range down in sunny George. We drove it through different types of roads and situations, and decided it’s the best Focus ever produced. It best to be too, after all, it’s brand spanking new and packed with new technologies as well as features. Mind you this comes from a team that has driven all three Focus generations so we would know.

We thought the previous car was a little too large, too much car for the segment, even though some might say that’s a good thing. Yes, but to a certain extent. True to form the new car isn’t better either, enslaving the scales at 1 860kg minimum, while the top of the range weighs in at 2 050kg, which is like a Land Rover Freelander. It is 4.4 metres long and 1.5m high.

Because the air in coastal George is crisp and full, naturally aspirated engines (engines with no turbo or superchargers) cope much better than in places like Gauteng and Limpopo. Therefore the only model that won’t suffer in Johannesburg is the 2.0 TDCI. Its 120kW at 3750rpm and 340Nm of torque between 2000rpm and 3250rpm make it a smooth operator of note. The 2.0 TDCI pulls like a stone off a sling, powers on until way past the highway speed limit. At the same time it can average as low as 5.3 litres per 100km of diesel fuel while emitting just 139 g/km of C02s. I will testify to its prowess which saw off more than just a few bigger vehicles on the freeway. With the right kind of attitude you will be able to achieve over 1100km from one tank. Quite useful these days if you live in Gauteng.

Also, this is one of only two models in the range to feature Ford’s new 6-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. PowerShift cannot be found in the 5-door hatch, only in the 4-door. While it’s an automatic, changes can be made by using your thumb to tip a button on the gear lever itself in a down or up direction. I found this to be quite tedious and therefore stuck to full automatic mode.

The rest of the range comes in petrol, which begins with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder putting out 92kW at 6000rpm, and 159Nm at 4000rpm. Not exactly a meteorite the 1.6, yet it will serve the purpose of putting the most ticks on the production line. The 2.0 GDI is pretty strong at 125kW at 6600rpm and 202Nm at 4450rpm. Except for the 2.0 GDI (GDI stands for Gasoline Direct Injection) sedan, all the other petrols in the sedan and hatch bodies come with a 5-speed manual. A very entertaining gearbox this is, providing quite precise and fun changes.

With McPherson front struts and a modern multi-link setup at the rear, the new Focus has the right basis for satisfactory, above-average driving enjoyment. Around twisty turns and bending tarmac it reminded me why I enjoyed driving the old Focus by taking me back, at the same time improving on that. The upcoming ST with its 184kW of vuma should have no trouble finding fans.

Ford’s design, engineering and quality departments put a lot of time in ensuring that the cabin turns out strong, inviting and better quality than before. This they achieved to a certain extent. Materials used are softer, yet appear more durable that previously. Yet, it still falls somewhat short of its main rival the Volkswagen Golf. But when it comes to features, there’s no doubt time and money has been spent. Standard features include things like a USB-accessible radio/ CD combo with 6 speakers and manual air conditioning. Disappointingly the basic 1.6 Ambiente (both hatch and sedan), although it comes ex-factory with ABS brakes with EBD and ESP, has manual rear windows. Yes, in 2011. Luckily from here on things look decidedly brighter.

Here we are talking about Trend models with standard curtain airbags, side airbags, trip computer, USB, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, multifunction steering controls, front and rear fogs, and it just goes on and on. It appears then, that the poor Ambiente is probably slated for low-level government fleets and car rental companies. The Focus’s dashboard area is reminiscent of the Fiesta’s at the centre console, but the similarities end there. It’s a very sophisticated area to be in, and takes some getting used to. Everything is hi-tech, with buttons for pretty much everything.

Twelve exterior colour options can be had, including my favourite called Mustard Olive. All the cars come with 16-inch wheels, with the Ambiente drawing the shorter sticks with steel, while the Trends feature alloys. The 2.0 GDI Sport hatch is shod with 17-inch alloys. Incidentally the Sport is also the only one to get an LED central brake light, a chrome tailpipe and keyless start where you just get in and press a button to start the engine.

One might criticise the new Focus, especially the hatch, for being over-designed. There are lines that are just out of place, like on the front grille and the side rear lights cluster. But these are personal preference matters as well. Also, I am keeping in mind that Focus has always been quite innovative and obviously unafraid when it came to styling.

The new Ford Focus is a notable step up over its predecessor in many ways. It will find favour with fans of the brand and others who might not have taken a second glance before.

2011 Ford Focus Pricing

5-door hatch

1.6 TiVCT Ambiente (R208 400)

1.6 TiVCT Trend (R226 400)

2.0 GDi Trend (R241 800)

2.0 GDi Sport (R266 200)

4-door sedan

1.6 TiVCT Ambiente (R208 400)

1.6 TiVCT Trend (R226 400)

2.0 GDi Trend Auto (R264 300)

2.0 TDCI Trend Auto (R281 100)