Ford Focus Car Review
Ford leave nothing to the imagination and have exceeded expectations with the all-new Ford Focus. Current rivals to this sporty hatchback include the Peugeot 308, Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed and on the more premium end, the Volkswagen Golf. With a competitive starting price of €22,000, the Focus positioned itself exceptionally well to succeed in the Irish market.
We got behind the wheel to take it on a test drive and for this particular review, we managed to get our hands on the top line Vignale model, which retails for around €33,000.
Unlike previous models, the Focus was manufactured with the intent to create a more spacious and stylish vehicle. Ford increased the boot size to 375 litres (which should comfortably fit approximately two to three suitcases) and in addition also improved the backseat head and legroom, giving passengers a more comfortable driving experience. Several storage spots exist throughout the car, including cupholders, door cards and a large glove box for everyday items.
The car boot is also fitted with convenient hooks and tethering points to help hold loose objects in place. Each model also comes with a standard spare wheel situated under the flooring in the boot of the car. Front passengers are treated to lumbar support seating which comes as standard. The Focus is the only car in its class to offer this which can be a make or break feature for many car buyers in today’s market. This Vignale edition, however, also comes with electric seating for both driver and their front seat passenger.
Fitted with the latest technology, the Focus has several USB points, a high-class touch screen that provides a smooth experience as users swipe across the different applications.
The infotainment system includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto. A very slick addition to the Focus was the removal of the standard gear stick which was replaced with a console-mounted rotary gear shift dial, giving the car a more premium feel.
Surprisingly, the visibility is quite good considering the car has a more sporty design, the low dashboard gives the driver an elevated experience. The vehicle comes with park assist technology for automatic parking, and the presence of a rear camera provides excellent assistance for those who still prefer the old-fashioned manual way.
To conclude, Ford has impressed us with the upgrades they made to the Focus. This vehicle is a standout in a somewhat crowded hatchback market. Having set a new standard, we are excited to see how Ford further improves this impressive machine.
