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Weekend roadtest : Ford Focus estate 1.6Ecoboost Titanium
publication date: Dec 17, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Slowly and surely, Ford is making its presence
felt with the new Focus.
Focus estate is the second body-style in the range
and is tipped to significantly raise the percentage of sales which Ford has
previously seen in this sector as buyers look for additional room over a
hatchback but don't want to go into the larger MPV sector. |  |
Ford predict the estate will account for 15pc of Focus
registrations, up on the 12 pc of the previous series as a result of this shift
in buying styles which has been seen across all manufacturers. Eventually ten
Focus models around the world will be based on the same floorpan.
The seven engine choices include the 150ps 1.6 Ecoboost
turbo direct injection petrol engine, which is made in Bridgend, as well as
105ps and 125ps 1.6 TiVCT petrols.
There are also 95ps and 115p 1.6 TDCi together with 115ps,
140ps and 163ps 2.0 TDCi engines. Gearboxes are five or six speed, depending on
chosen engine. It comes as Edge, Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X specifications.
I tested the new 150ps 1.6 Ecoboost and it is a superb blend
of performance, refinement and economy with low emissions if you are paying
company car tax. It starts immediately, pulls very strongly and even at higher
revolutions it is fairly quiet and comes with the latest start/ stop technology
to aid economy in heavy traffic.
Such refinement is more in keeping with a much larger engine
and more than the four-cylinders under the Focus bonnet but it shows how far
technology and engineering has progressed in just a few years.
The sophistication of the engine is matched by that of the
six speed manual gearbox. Clutch pedal is light, the change action direct and
easy and the ratios give strong pulling power with a load aboard and the
promise of very good economy.
Mechanically, the Focus estate is the same as the hatch so
it steers with precision, has a tight turning circle and the car stops quickly
and undramatically with modest pedal effort. Press on through sweeping sections
of road and the Focus Estate stays glued to the ground, even when lightly laden
which can sometimes challenge an estate.
With any estate the clincher is how easy it is to load and
live with. The new Focus Estate does not disappoint on either count because the
fifth door opens from just below knee-height to reveal a carpeted flat floor
with smooth sides behind a large opening and the door lifts up out of the way
but not so far that a short person would have trouble closing it.
Roof rails are standard and there is a one-touch luggage
cover, both features which will be appreciated by regular estate car owners.
Capacity rises from 476 litres to 1502 litres and the back seat has an offset
split for maximum practicality.
Inside, the access to the cabin is good, the seats are well
shaped, slightly firm and supportive. The front pair have a good range of
movement, the back bench folds quickly and low.
| | | Oddments room is good for a family car and visibility is
clear all round thanks to a low waistline, good wipers and bright lights on the
test model.
Secondary controls are sensibly spread out, the instruments
clear, heating and ventilation comfortable and the fit and finish are
impressive too.
Ford really has moved on the game with the Focus and the new
estate builds on this appeal with added practicality for users. I think it's
going to become the benchmark in this sector. |  | Fast facts:
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| Ford Focus Estate Titanium X 1.6 150ps
Ecoboost £22,595 | Insurance group: 19 | | Mechanical: 4cyl
150ps 1.6, 6sp | Emissions: 139gkm | Performance: Max. 130mph, 0-62mph 8.8sec, 32mpg
| Warranty: 3yrs/ 60K | | |
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