October 18, 2004. Copyright 2004, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Ford Focus II: Great drive, terrific quality, let down by bland styling
By Neil Winton

LONDON, October 18, Graphic News:  You can always tell when a car has been successful. When the time comes to replace it, the new design will be almost indistinguishable from the original.

ThatÕs why the VW Golf hasnÕt changed much in 30 years, the new Porsche Boxster seems to be a clone of the old one, and why new Fiats tend to look radically different from their predecessors.

Ford finds itself in a similar virtuous circle with its new Focus. The old one sold four million cars worldwide over six years, and won awards in Europe and the United States. The car was acclaimed as much for its looks and driveability as for its practicality and quality.

So itÕs no surprise that the Focus II looks pretty much the same. But looking at them side-by-side, the older model actually looks more radical and attractive, with the latest version on the bland side.

Ford has been a bit half-hearted with its new design, but the rest of the car is at least as good as the old one, and the consensus amongst motoring journalists who road tested the new car was that it was going to be a winner.

The new car is bigger and heavier, with a 25mm longer wheelbase and 40mm wider track. ThereÕs more shoulder room in the front and a bit more room in the rear. Comfort and refinement are marginally better, which is saying something given the high quality of the old model. Handling -- the steering is now electro-hydraulic -- seems to be just as agile and rewarding as the outgoing Focus.

The quality of the interior is top-notch -- just as good as the VW Golf and the new pretender in the class, the Vauxhall Astra. The cabin is quiet, with just a hint of wind noise as speeds reach above legal limits. Most of the test driving, around Tuscany, was on windy mountain roads and straighter country tarmac.

There are 3- and 5-door versions as the car is launched. An estate car will follow, then a 4-door saloon. The gears are shifted by an attractive, chunky stick. There are 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes, an automatic constantly variable transmission and a 4-speed automatic.

Engine options at launch comprise 1.4 (78bhp), 1.6 (98bhp) and 2.0 litre (143bhp) petrol motors, and two diesels bought from Peugeot -- of 1.6 litres (108bhp) and 2.0 litres (134bhp). The 2.0 litre diesel -- the only version offered with the 6-speed gearbox -- was the pick of the litter, smooth and powerful.

The Focus offers a range of options that would only have been available until recently on more expensive cars, including satellite navigation, electrically adjustable pedals, swivelling headlights, Bluetooth phone connection, voice controls, and keyless locking.

The new Focus was officially launched at the Paris Car Show in September, and goes on sale in Germany in November, then progressively across Europe, reaching Britain in January 2005. Prices start at 16,000 euros (£10,895).
/ENDS