Test drive Ford Focus 4 doors 2005 - 2007 sedan

The second is the first

With the beginning of the production of Ford Focus II in Vsevolozhsk, the consumer interest in the new product reached the peak. The test, organized by the Russian representative office of the brand, came by the time. In the course of it, it turned out that the second focus is quite capable of becoming the first.

Ford Focus of the first generation has reached such a degree in Russia that it has become a sales leader among golf-class foreign cars. No wonder: the balance of attractive consumer qualities and prices have done their job. It is just right to revise the range of ranks: the focus class now sounds more precise. The successor of the public favorite, the second focus, according to the creators, the fruit of the evolution of the first. Therefore, the car should be no less successful? We will wait, as they say, see. Although even now, with a great degree of confidence, we can say that the prospects of the novelty are promising largely due to the cost remaining at the same level (low) value.

The car that happened to be dealing with a 5-door hatchback with a two-liter gasoline engine. Along with it, the Vsevolozhsk plant produces sedans and station wagons (by the way, this is the only enterprise in the world that produces the entire line of bodies at once) with a range of engines: 1.4 liters, two modifications 1.6 and mentioned 2.0. Cars with 1.6 smaller engines can be equipped with automatic transmission. In the fall, the assortment will be replenished with hatchback and diesel version with a 1.8 engine.

The Fords proclaimed the motto of the second focus: the quality solves everything. This can only be achieved with modern production. Exactly what is created in Vsevolozhsk. We wrote about him more than once, but after the next visit to the enterprise you are convinced that, developing dynamically, the plant keeps up with the times. And he is able to produce products, identical (or even superior) in quality of the one that comes out of the gates of Ford factories in developed Europe.

Here is our ward, glittering like a Christmas toy, one hundred looks like a solid overseas foreign car. And the body gaps are worth it! No wonder the Fords were desperately fought over their minimization when creating a car. Only sprayers testify to her Russian origin from the outside. Elastic and bucket -shaped, they now reliably protect the car from dirt. Splashings produced by Russian partners Ford, the result of the localization of production. In addition to them, the machine is also equipped with Russian seats, fabric upholstery, glass, ducts, etc.

The second focus lives more solid than its predecessor. There was no trace of the former frivolity. And the point here is not only in the body style. Number two wider and longer than the first. That is why in the salon it is so spacious even by the rear, previously deprived of passengers. And a sloping roof that gives the appearance of the car swiftness does not lie on their heads. But it eats part of the luggage volume. However, it is also not fatal, just to quite acceptable 385 liters.

In accordance with the appearance, the interior of the second focus has become more serious. Fundamentalism is emphasized not only by the architecture of the interior decoration, but also by the quality of finishing materials. So, the front panel is now made of elastic plastic. In general, everything is aesthetic and convenient. Only the docking of the front panel with the sheathing of the front doors is somewhat puzzled. The car is equipped with a grand scale. Almost everything is included. In general, the client determines the degree of comfort by ordering certain options to the extent of his financial capabilities.

A two -liter hatchback rides honestly. Without removal, but sure. Acceleration is uniformly stable, after 30003500 min-1 it becomes awake. And although the atom car starts without expected enthusiasm, the acceleration process as a whole leaves a good impression.

Compared to the first, the second focus is noticeably quieter. And during the movement, the solid weightiness of the car began to be felt. This is nice: as if instead of a cheap plastic lighter, I picked up an expensive metal.

Using a short lever of a five -speed gearbox is continuous pleasure, the inclusion is so selective and accurate. The steering wheel on the steering column adjustable in two directions is also at the level. By the way, the effort on it can be changed by selecting a suitable mode in the on -board computer settings.

The brake mechanisms that have preserved continuity adequately and reliably slow down the car without trajectory distortions. The suspension, according to the sensations, has become softer. The advantage is or a disadvantage, everyone will determine for himself. In any case, controllability is controlled by sitting at the wheel. The suspension damps unevenly uneven. But at low speed, muffled suspension knocks are alarmed on potholes (disappear with speed). Ford engineers say to this: everything is okay, this is only a specific sound support of the suspension that does not affect anything.

In a global sense, hatchback is good without fools. If we also take into account that the second focus is recognized as the safest car in the class in the Euro NCAP ranking, then it is doubly good. And therefore, having fixed the success of the predecessor, it is quite capable of the second to become the first.

+ Low cost, spacious interior, excellent gearbox.
A relatively low moment at low speeds, noise in the suspension at low speeds.

Technical characteristics Ford Focus 2 Ghia

Body 5-door hatchback
The number of places 5
Equipped mass, kg 1340
Full mass, kg 1795
Dimensions, mm:
- length 4342
- Width 1840
- Height 1497
Base, mm 2640
Trunk volume, l 385/1245
Maximum speed, km/h 206
Control consumption of fuel, l/100 km:
- City cycle 9.8
- Zagorodov 5.4
- Mixed 7.1
Fuel tank volume, l 55
Engines:
-Type of benz., 4-dig., 16-valve.
- working volume, cm3 1999
- Power, L.S. at MIN-1 145/6000
- Torque, NM at MIN-1 185/4500
Transmission 5 -t., Front-wheel drive
Tire size 195/65r15
Wheel suspension from stub. POPER. Ust.;
- Front Mcpherson
- The rear is multi -link
Brakes: (front/rear) disk., Ventil./Disk.
Steering gear-rake, with eur
Price (2-liter version), $ from 16 020

Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [08/2005]