It’s not easy to swim in the same shark-eat-shark sea as the segment-leading VW Golf, but the Ford Focus has always been a strong upstream-swimmer and the third generation car, launched here in July in sedan and hatch derivatives, has become even better.
It takes the fight right to the Golf with its classy build quality and dynamic driving characteristics, while the Ford’s fresher design should attract buyers becoming bored with VW’s conservatism.
While we wait for the soon-to-come high-performance ST version, the normally-aspirated 2.0 Sport on test here is the top-of-the-range Focus hatchback, and although it doesn’t deliver sweaty-palmed performance it’s strong enough for most real-world driving situations.
Compared to the old 2-litre Focus, power in the normally-aspirated petrol engine (now called the GDi) has risen from 107kW/185Nm to 125kW/202Nm, largely thanks to the addition of direct fuel injection. This delivers in-town and open-road pace that that never feels limp-wristed and doesn’t leave you yearning for more muscle. At Gauteng altitude it managed an efficient 0-100km/h time of 10.1 seconds.
That said, the five speed manual transmission has rather long ratios which call for fairly frequent gearshifts to keep things on the boil. At high altitude especially I think more closely-spaced gears would work better, and it’s surprising that Ford didn’t opt for a six-speed gearbox as is becoming the norm. The gearshifts are very slick however so stirring the ‘box isn’t a big chore.
The engine’s most impressive feat is its fuel economy, and the 7.5 litres per 100km we achieved in a town/freeway mix was better than average for a petrol engine of this size.
From a driving point of view the new Focus continues the driver-pleasing characteristics of its predecessor. It handles sharply yet rides comfortably, and the chassis engineers have hit the balance spot-on.
Employing Ford’s Control Blade multi-link rear suspension, it’s very settled and neutral in quick direction changes, while the electronic Torque Vectoring Control system acts like a diff at the front end to limit understeer. The suspension deals with potholes and speedhumps in a calm and unflustered fashion, and the overall refinement’s very good with no annoying noises.
Good steering, powerful brakes with a progressive feel – there’s nothing that jars, it just feels right to drive. It’s a great chassis that feels very unstressed with this 2-litre power, and I can’t wait for the high-performance ST version.
The only complaint I have is that the ESP nanny can’t be switched off, although admittedly it’s subtle and doesn’t rudely interrupt the power flow as much as some traction control systems.
While the lower Focus models have somewhat dreary monochromatic interiors, the Sport’s version’s cabin is a upmarket environment which is right up there with the Golf in terms of subjective quality, but less conservative in terms of styling. The dash has a high-tech design and is brightened up by some silver panels to break the black monotony. The styling of the partial-leather seats is very modern too and they’re very comfy and supportive.
More conservative folk might find the interior plumage a little extravagant but I like the way Ford’s mated functionality with modern looks. The controls are neatly laid out and mostly intuitive to use, and the large digital display will please even the short-sighted. However I find the steering a bit too busy with ancillary switches, many of which are located in the bottom half out of thumb’s reach.
Being the flagship, the Focus Sport has a high level of spec including cruise control, a high-end audio system with Bluetooth and voice control, multiple airbags, dual-zone climate control, and electrically operated driver’s seat, among others. That’s good value at a price of R266 200, and this comes with a four-year/120 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km service plan and three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.
The cabin’s as roomy as you expect from a C-segment hatch, and full-sized adults will fit into the back seat quite comfortably.
VERDICT:
The only thing wrong with this car it that it’s misnamed, and the Sport badge may create false expectations of hot-hatchedness. The Focus Sport’s no tar-shredder; rather it delivers a blend of useable performance with good fuel economy, combined with above-average build quality, refinement, handling, and a competitive price. I think it’s a strong contender for Car of the Year. -Star Motoring