Ford Focus Hatchback

Consider this car for it's exceptional road holding and handling + ride comfort. You can drive on twisting roads without slowing down. At high speed there is none of the vibration felt in Korean or Jap cars. It's construction and built is solid. Pick up is slow though due to heavier body weight and 100 bhp engine. The main drawbacks are lack of features and plain instrumentation but this is a driver's car.

Look for Gerald the SE who is very passionate about the car.

The new 2008 facelift is simply gorgeous. Front lamps, grill, curves and lines make for a very handsome car.

Interior is very spacious and comfortable. High quality materials and construction are befitting a continental car of this class (it even exceeds those above!). I love the leather seats - it supports my back really well. Good for those long drives.

However, if you are picky, you'll find small odd bits of cheap plastics here and there. The Focus is very well insulated though tire noise at high expressway speeds (90km/h above) is a little disappointing. Oh yes, it was initially built as a left hand drive - the hand brake remains on the 'wrong side'! Boot space is HUGE.

Electronics wise, rather basic for a continental but sufficient. You still get quite a bit (6CD, 8 Speaker system with steering wheel controls and fully automatic power windows, message centre, MP3 connectivity thru Aux - no USB etc) as standard.

The model we get here is slightly different from the ones they get in Europe. I first entered the car looking for the red start button! Don't have! Optional extras (i.e. GPS, electronic climate control) are pricey. Don't think the Trend is worth the extra money (just for auto assist headlamps and electronic seats?).

Handling is gentle but very sharp and responsive. ESP is very good and can be turned off. Good suspension - car feels planted and smooth but still makes for a very 'sporty' drive. Excellent turning radius.

However, this is a very big car (in every sense) for a 1.6l and the low BHP is surprising. Pick up from 0km/h is quite slow, unless you floor the accelerator. The auto gear box is 'clunky' when shifting between P, R and D, which can be a bit distracting. But the 4speed transmission is smooth sailing.

So far, the advertised fuel consumption (urban 10.6l /100km and extra-urban 7.7l / 100km) is accurate. It's rather average for a new car but I'm trying to see if I can do better!

Test drove this car.

The car weight is known heavier than any japanese made car.

Meaning the pick up speed won't be as responsive as others due to only 1.6L built.

The face lift is impressive with rally look.

Haven't known any of the con side til I drove for a longer time.

Was told Focus trend will not longer bring into Singapore Market. Price difference is 4k between One and Trend