ford Focus Estate Road Test Reports and Car Reviews

Ford Focus Estate 1.6 TTDCi 110 2005

"The Ford Focus is defined by its attention to detail. The exterior of the vehicle has a look that is sporty and refined, whilst the interior is thoughtful in design and high in comfort. Whether you choose the sporty 3-door hatchback, refined 5-door hatchback, sophisticated 4-door saloon or the stylish and practical 5-door Estate, the Ford Focus takes the best possible care of you and your passengers whilst making no compromise on the excitement of the drive." OK - that`s the official blurb, and I bought a `55 Diesel Estate 2 years ago on the basis of this kind of puff. Don`t get me wrong - the Focus is not a bad car - just do not believe the puff. The attention to detail (see above) falls way below what Ford were achieving 20 years ago. Items include switchgear, headrests, seats, pedals, visibility, storage, door pockets, the list goes on. Did you know that if you cannot put a child seat in the rear without pushing the front seats too far forward? Or that turning out of a "T" the hopeless headrests combine with the 20cm wide "B" post to create a dangerous blind spot? Or ---- The list goes on. It`s said Ford hired designers from VW/Audi Group to really buzz up the design of the Focus. If true, then VAG must be laughing all the way to the Bank ,to have got rid of their duds. And these idiots spoiled what could have been a very good car indeed. The Focus is "exciting to drive" - true - but it is neither stylish (sort of egg blob), "thoughtful in design", nor "refined". This is one of the noisiest cars I have ever owned - not engine (quite good) - but road rumble. It`s like being rolled down the gravel on Brighton Beach in an oil drum. And as it`s also one of the heaviest (same as my old Rover V8) - one wonders at 1.4 tonnes, (for a "small family car?") why there is no sound proofing? It`s bad enough you cannot have a conversation on most motorways, or listen to the radio, and after an hour or so, it really gets to you. I` d like to like the Focus it`s been bog reliable over 30,000 miles, - and buzzing 4 miles into town, it`s very nice (if you like heavy metal music -I don`t) - but on a long journey it becomes miserable. Only 3 1/2 years old - but it`s got to go. I`ve had enough of it. Badly designed, un-refined, bumpy, rough, noisy, and hard to live with. AS