18 Mar: Ford Focus Estate

… Ford Focus Titanium X Estate 1.5 TDCI …

The humble Ford Focus Estate. Expectations can’t be that high surely? Smart, practical and comfortable what more could Mr Average expect?

The new Ford Focus was duly delivered to be appraised. Nothing remarkable about that. A sound, every day commuting workhorse and weekend family cartabout. Modest expectations. No surprises here then.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWith hands still in pockets, I blipped the key on the approach to the car, climbed in, noting the scuff protectors automatically opening out to protect the door edges (both front and rear). Nice touch. Having left the key in my pocket it was a quick press of the clutch, press the keyless starter and wait a few seconds for the diesel puffer to get the message and fire up.

The multi-colour ambient lighting (with adjustable delay) gradually faded as the dashboard came alive.

Then it was matter of switching on the heated seats (from gently warming to toasted buns settings) and switch on the heated leather rimmed steering wheel. Adjust the aircon, use the large 8” touchscreen to get ‘5Live’ fired up (no DAB reception here!) then set the post code for the destination. By this time the Quickclear electrically heated front screen has cleared the glass and the crisp Spring morning could be viewed through the glass.

The electrically adjustable seat is extremely comfortable and provided a near ideal driving position (for me) coupled with the adjustable steering column. Select first gear and drive off, cocooned in near automotive luxury.

Fords are renowned for their sheer driving pleasure, however modest or outrageous the vehicle is, and this family runabout is no different. It rides and steers well, and apart from the 18 inch rims, ride comfort is assured.

But wait a minute, what’s this? Steering wobble? Surely not, then relief. It’s just the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid telling me I’m straying too close to the white lines or running over them!

Looking out for speed limits and road signs needn’t be a distraction either, the forward facing Traffic Sign Recognition camera transmits an image of the sign to the middle of dash binnacle dead ahead of the driver.

Cruise Control takes the strain on the motorways while the speed limiter ensures the Polis don’t take an interest. The rain sensitive wipers do their stuff and the tyre pressure monitoring system keeps the occupants safe and secure. The Blind Spot Information System flickers on both door mirrors as it detects traffic approaching off the slip road or overtakers in the outside lane.

The Hill Start Assist stops the car rolling back at the traffic lights on the hill as you turn into your destination and the Active City Stop system will automatically halt the car if some pedestrian makes a late move to cross the road.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOn arrival and drawing up at the destination, the Park Assist spots a big enough gap to park the car and then steers you in without the need to physically touch the steering wheel, either kerb parking or reverse parking, while the rear camera gives a clear view of the manoeuvre and the overlaid lines help those who simply want to do it themselves.

And therein lies the problem. With all these aids it does take some of the pleasure out of the act of driving but for those who see the car primarily as a commuting tool, wean carrier or more convenient alternative to the bus then it is ideal.

I wonder about such devices. Could all these tracking aids, lane following devices and proximity sensors encourage drunks to try and drive home after a pint or two. It might just give them a false sense of security. It makes you wonder.

Anyway, enough of this nonsense, there was another attraction – under the bonnet. This Focus had the new 1.5 litre diesel engine. No more 1600s, this is the new mid-range workhorse from the biggest diesel engine manufacturer in the UK. It has more power and torque than the outgoing 1.6 and delivers better fuel economy. So what’s not to like?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOddly I enough I first drove this engine two years ago in back to back test with the 1.6 and there was little difference. Those engines were in the new Fiesta van which had a 200kg load in the back, so it provided a good test. In other words, fitting this new 1.5 engine in the heavier Focus estate car shouldn’t cause any issues. It didn’t.

But I suppose the biggest surprise is, especially for those with long memories and misty recollections of Anglias and Cortinas, just how far Ford has come since then. From Basic automotive boxes to desirable and comfortable executive saloons. This Titanium specced car is more than a match for any so-called premium brand. It’s only the badge snobs who will walk past it. But take off the blinkers, try it out and you might just surprise yourself.

I liked it – a lot.

**

  • Review Date: March 18, 2015
  • Price
  • Engine
  • Performance
  • Economy
  • CO2 emissions

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