Focus on this Ford (Ford Focus 1.8 LX TDdi 5dr)

Member Name: polydeuces

Product:	Ford Focus 1.8 LX TDdi 5dr
Date:	29/05/08 (160 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: yes

Disadvantages: no

I was a fortunate winner when Top Gear magazine ran a competition in which the prize was to test a Ford Focus at the motor industry test facility at Crowthorne. At this test facility it is possible to conduct a huge range of tests. Road surfaces are deliberately made slippy by use of rounded beads in the surface and water sprayed on top. The result helps a driver assess in a safe environment the road-holding limits of a vehicle.

Further tests can be done on braking performance and the effectiveness of ABS systems. In this test a car is accelerated towards and obstruction in the shape of a Y , as the driver approaches it at about 50mph at the last moment he is told which section of the Y he needs to guide the car in and stop before a series of cones. Definitely not one to try at home with your friends but under the professional supervision at the test centre it is very effective training and testing.

As there were three testers plus an examiner in each car it was possible to determine the level of comfort the car had as a driver and as a passenger in all the seats in the car. During a road test the examiner provided as stern a test as you would have had when you took your driving est. The prize at the end of this was to have the use of a Ford Focus for a week. As the Focus at this time had not been formally launched his was quite a special prize. There were to be 30 lucky winners from the 50 of us who were lucky enough to win the Top Gear competition. However even with these positive odds I was not lucky enough to win or more correctly did not drive well enough in the assessed sections to win. I was disappointed but it was still a fantastic day.

My overall view of the Focus was that it was an excellent car. Although I am more used to cars in the next class up (Mondeo/406/Laguna size) it did not feel cramped inside. The driving position was easily adjusted and suited all sizes , I am of average height but even taller drivers found it comfortable. Rear seat room is adequate and possibly a little above average for its size. The styling is certainly a revolutionary step forward from the drab Escort and many other Fords use similar styling cues eg Ka, Puma, Cougar, new Mondeo and even now on the new Galaxy. The family look is distinctive and is not dating too quickly which can be a problem with 'different' styling. The interior styling is also advanced but not to the extent of being gimmicky or worse distracting.

The handling was most impressive and the steering was very precise even in those sections made particularly demanding. Ride in a small car can often be a problem but the Ford engineers have managed a very good compromise which means the Focus does not tend to jump or roll excessively in corners. Performance overall was good, even with four adults in the car the engine felt lively and responsive. Finally the brakes had very good performance even after all four drivers in the car had had three goes each at the slalom stopping test.

One final treat lay in store for us. Before heading for home, the lucky ones in a new Focus for the week, all the testers had the opportunity of going round the test track as a passenger with ... Tiff Needell Now many will be familiar with Mr Needells activities on BBC 2's Top Gear. You will recall how his fellow presenters sit terrorised as he doughnuts the car round and does opposite lock tyre screeching turns. Well having been inside the car when he did these actions I can testify it is terrifying. Never mind Nemesis or Oblivion this is what being scared feels like.

A truly memorable day and with a very good car.

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