Yesterday saw the Irish launch of the new Ford Focus to the Irish market. Over the last 16 years it has made itself part of our streetscape as the manufacturer has managed to shift a massive 115,000 units to Irish customers. It has moulded for itself a solid spot in the very competitive C-segment. The changes are fresh and the manufacturer has high hopes for this new offering.
So far the Irish motoring industry has had a very positive start. January of this year has shown an incredible increase of 30% year on year and the outlook is positive. Ford are coming in at number three so far for car sales and with this new Focus they are hoping to climb the charts. Ciaran McMahon, Chairperson and Managing Director of Ford Ireland has laid out his plans for the Focus and he estimates that this year they should be able to turn over 4,500 of the new model. That is a lot, especially when you consider that estimates for this year are that the entire industry should turn over approximately 115,000 new cars.
The Focus is sneaking up a bit in terms of price (20,695 - 30,490 EUR) , which is something that is creeping in across the industry, but what’s on offer in the new car is more comprehensive than ever before. Technology within has improved, it looks slicker and the all-new interior makes this a much more attractive package.
The lines on the new Focus add more definition to the shape of the car. The car has a wider, stronger stance. The new trapezoidal grille is impressive and the newly sculpted bonnet surrounding it, along with the lower appearance of the car, makes it appear more powerful than the outgoing mode. Other changes to the front include slimmer headlights and some very nice chrome detailing.
There are four trims of Focus available. They are; Focus (entry level), Focus Style, Focus Zetec, and Focus Titanium. At entry level you can expect to find the likes of Hill Launch Assist, electric windows and tyre pressure monitoring. Advance up that trim line and you will find Ford Sync, 16”alloys (“Titanium alloys” with the Titanium trim), CD player with USB connectivity, sports tuned suspension (from Zetec – up) and with Titanium you also get keyless start and dual-zone auto temperature control.
My test drives with the Titanium 2.0 litre diesel (150hp) and the Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost (125hp) was very brief but the cars did seem to handle the twisty roads around the City West Hotel pretty well. The quietness of the EcoBoost engine appealed to me and the steering was light, yet responsive. The automatic 2.0litre diesel was more to my liking though. I liked the heavier feel it offered and that extra 25hp makes it seem more reactive.
Over the years, and I’ve confirmed this by looking at my past Ford reviews, I’ve had a big dislike of the Ford dash and their centre console. I always felt it looked dated, and the plastics therefore appeared slightly cheap. The new touchscreen layout is much nicer and is a much better alternative. Strangely enough, it was the first thing I looked for as I approached the car. The dash board on the passenger side is a bit bulky, but it doesn’t infringe on the passenger’s leg or knee room. The front cabin is a nice space.
The engine range available to the Irish market is as follows: 1.6 litre (95hp & 115hp) and the 2.0 litre (150hp) diesels, and the 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol (100hp & 125hp).
This year is going to be a busy one for Ford with the new S-Max and Galaxy on their way. Changes are also in store for the C-Max, and Ford has only just launched the long awaited Mondeo. Oh and how could I forget, during quarter four of this year they will launch a right-hand drive Mustang to the Irish market.
The Focus will carry on its battle with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, but we’ll have to wait until the end of the year to see who comes out on top.
