Ford Focus 1.6 Titanium four-door Reivew: Growing Up
Ford’s new Focus has grown up and is more matured now. Joe Yeo checks out the four-door saloon bodystyle.
Inside, there’s an all-new cabin that not only looks more stylish than previously but is also made from higher quality materials and better screwed together. The use of silver accents throughout the dashboard have lifted overall cabin ambience a tad while the exposed surfaces on the dash feel soft to the touch and even surpasses the Jetta’s when it comes to the overall quality of the materials. The cabin also features colour switchable ambient lighting that is a rarity in this class of car.
The controls for the stereo and infotainment systems are inspired by the Fiesta’s while the controls for the dual zone climate control are placed low on the dash just in front of the gear lever. The high mounted screen on the dash displays settings for the stereo among other information while the main instruments are simple and easy to read at a glance. The quality and look of the switchgear has improved over the old car’s overall but the secondary buttons on the steering wheel which activate the voice control among other functions just look too shiny and lack quality.
The driving position is highly adjustable for all body shapes and sizes and is extremely snug and comfortable. At the rear, passengers will have sufficient leg and headroom and won’t feel claustrophobic even on long rides but the more generously sized Jetta ultimately offers more rear legroom. The boot in the saloon is deep and generously sized while the rear seat backs split/fold should you require more load space.
The Titanium spec model tested here is lavishly equipped with standard kit like auto folding side mirrors, auto headlights and wipers, self-dimming rear view mirror, see-me-home lights, dual zone climate control, trip computer, rear parking sensors, factory fitted stereo with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, bi-Xenon headlamps, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start and so on. On the safety front, the Euro NCAP five-star rated Focus features standard ESP, Emergency Brake Assist, six airbags, seat belt pretensioners and so on.
The new Focus is a major improvement in the key areas of styling, interior, handling and efficiency over its predecessor. The old car’s rough edges have been softened in the new car but it’s just a pity that the engine doesn’t offer strong turbocharged performance that its European rivals do.
Credits: Story and Photos by Joe Yeo
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