Ford Focus Review: 2011 Model | Focus | Car Buyers Guide

2011 Ford Focus Review

Since its first introduction on to the Irish Market in 1998, the Ford Focus has been a huge sensation. It has a string of accolades to its name, which include being voted Semperit Irish Car of the Year on two occasions, and also European Car of the Year.

 

Taking this into account, Ford is no doubt confident that their new Focus will flourish on the Irish Market. Speaking at the recent press launch of the new Focus, Ford’s Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Eddie Murphy expects to sell between 2,500 to 3,000 examples of the new Focus in Ireland this year.

 

After a short drive in the new Focus, I’m happy to report that it’s every bit as good to drive, and superior in some respects to its predecessors. The four-door saloon I drove is smart and modern looking on the exterior, while the interior blends comfort and technology in harmony. It’s extremely quiet on the move with very little engine noise intruding to the cabin. I’ll give you a more detail report after my weeklong test drive.

 

There’s a host of smart technologies available across the range, which include Active City Stop, Torque Vectoring Control, Blind Spot Information System, Auto High Beam and Active Park Assist. The Active City Stop is one such useful piece of safety technology, which will automatically bring the car to a halt in the event of a low-speed collision, and can be specified for a mere €420. My test car had the optional Active Park Assist fitted, it’s quite simply an ingenious piece of electronic equipment that will no doubt save your alloys from being kerbed and keep your bumpers scratch-free. Once activated, the sensors on the car’s bumpers will scan for a parallel parking spot that the car can fit into, once a spot is found you simply take your hands off the steering wheel and the car will automatically control the wheel and guide you into the parking space. It’s a surreal feeling at first but once you experience it, you’ll wonder how you ever parked without it.

 

The new Focus is available in both saloon and hatch, with estate to come on-stream shortly. It’s offered across four grades, with prices for the entry-level starting at €20,285 for the 1.6 VCT 105hp petrol model, and €21,325 for the 1.6 TDCi 95hp diesel model. Both come equipped with ESP and USB connectivity as standard. Next in-line is the €21,675 Focus Edge which features air con, trip computer and a leather steering wheel. Opt for the Zetec and you’ll receive 16-inch alloys, sports seats, Quickclear windscreen and sports tuned suspension, which is available from €23,025. Prices for the top of the range Titanium commence at €24,175, and for this you’ll be treated to dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers and cruise control. Irish motorists have the choice of two petrol and three diesel powered models. Both petrol cars sit in tax band B, whilst the diesel models are in band A resulting in an annual road tax fee of just €104. The only exception to this is the 2.0 TDCi with automatic Powershift, which is placed in band B.

 

There’s no doubt in my mind that Ford’s new Focus will continue to be a best seller for the brand.

 

Ford Focus

 

Model

Focus

 

Engine

1.6 to 2.0

 

Power

95 to 115

 

Torque

NA

 

0-100km/h

NA

 

Emissions

109 to 139

 

Tax Bands

A & B

 

Price

€21,225 to €29,425

 

 


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