Test Drive Ford Focus Sedan since 2010 Sedan

The second becomes first

With the beginning of the production of Ford Focus II in Vsevolozhsk, consumer interest in the novelty reached apogee. The test organized by the Russian brand representation was time. In the course of it it turned out that the second focus is quite able to become the first.

Ford Focus of the first generation reached such a degree of popularity in Russia, which became a sales leader among golf-class foreign cars. Not surprising: the balance of attractive consumer qualities and prices did their job. It is time to revise the table of ranks: the focus class now sounds more accurate. The successor of the publishness of the public, the second focus, on the application of the creators, the fruit of the first. Consequently, the car should be no less successful? Wait, as they say, see. Although now with a lot of confidence, it can be said that the prospects for new items promising largely due to the remaining level (low) value.

The car with which it happened to deal with the 5-door hatchback with a two-liter gasoline engine. Along with him, the Vsevolozhsk plant produces sedans and universals (by the way, this is the only enterprise in the world, producing at once the entire line of the bodies) with gamut engines: 1.4 l, two modifications 1.6 and said 2.0. Cars with 1.6 minor 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 motto of the second focus of Fordovsky proclaimed: Quality decides everything. It is possible to achieve this only in the presence of modern production. This is what created in Vsevolozhsk. We have repeatedly written about him, but after the next visit to the enterprise, you are convinced that, developing dynamically, the plant is keeping up with the times. And it is capable of producing products identical (and even superior) in the quality of the one that comes out of the collapse of Fordovsky factories in developed Europe.

So our ward, squeezing, like a christmas toy, it looks like a good overseas foreign car. And the body gaps are worth! No wonder Fordovtsov desperately beat them over their minimization when creating a car. Only mudguards appear on its Russian origin outside. Elastic and bucket, they now reliably protect the car from dirt. Mudguards manufactured by Russian Ford partners, the result of the localization of production. In addition to them, the car is also equipped with Russian seats, tissue upholstery, glasses, air ducts, etc.

The live second focus looks solid than the predecessor. From the past levity there is no trace. And the point here is not only in body stylist. Number two wider and longer than the first. That is why even in the cabin is so spacious even rear, previously deprived passengers. And the slope of the roof that gives the appearance of the machine the rapidness, does not lie on their heads. But eats a part of the luggage volume. However, either not deadly, only to quite acceptable 385 liters.

In accordance with the outside, the interior of the second focus has become more serious. Fundamentalism is emphasized not only by the architecture of the inner decoration, but also the quality of finishing materials. So, the front panel is now made of elastic plastic. In general, everything is aesthetically comfortable. Several puzzles only the docking of the front panel ends with the front door. Equipped with a car with a scope. Included almost all. In general, the degree of comfort, the client determines itself by ordering certain options in the measure of its financial capabilities.

Rides a two-liter hatchback honestly. Without delete, but confident. Overclocking is uniform, stable, after 30003500 min-1 becomes cheerful. And although the atmosphere starts without the expected enthusiasm, the overclocking process as a whole leaves a good impression.

Compared to the first, in the second focus noticeably quieter. And during the movement began to feel a solid passion from the car. It's nice: As if instead of a cheap plastic lighter picked up an expensive metallic.

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

Brake mechanisms that have preserved continuity, adequately and reliably slow down the car without trajectory distortions. The suspension, in sensations, became softer. Dignity is or disadvantaged, everyone will determine for itself. In any case, the handling is controlled by the wheel sitting. Suspension irregularity damping is notable. That's just at low speed on the pothuses, muted pendant knocks (disappeared with increasing speed). Ford engineers say this: all Okay, this is not only anything affecting the specific sound support of the suspension.

In the global sense, the hatchback is good without fools. If we also consider that in the EURO NCAP rating, the second focus is recognized as the safest car in the classroom, it is good doubly. And therefore, consolidating the success of the predecessor, it is quite capable of becoming the first one.

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

Specifications Ford Focus 2 GHIA

Body 5-door hatchback
Number of places 5.
Curb weight, kg 1340
Full weight, kg 1795
Dimensions, mm:
- Length 4342.
- Width 1840.
- Height 1497.
Base, mm 2640
Trunk volume, l 385/1245
Maximum speed, km / h 206
Fuel control, l / 100 km:
- urban cycle 9.8
- Country 5.4
- Mixed 7,1
Volume of fuel tank, l 55
Engines:
- Type of benz., 4-cyl., 16-clap.
- Working volume, cm3 1999
- Power, hp at min-1 145/6000
- torque, nm at min-1 185/4500
Transmission 5 stroke., Front drive
Tire size 195/65R15
Suspension wheels with stub. Popper. mouth;
- Front McPherson.
- rear multi-type
Brakes: (front / rear) disk, valves / disk.
Steering Gear Rake, with EUR
Price (2-liter version), $ from 16 020

Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [08/2005]