Call it superficial, but looks account for many a thing that catches our eyes. As subjective as it would be, it is without doubt that our roads are increasingly flooded with cars bearing signature styling cues that claim to stay true to their heredity genes (figures have shown ground-breaking sales figures from the German Big Four). As a result, it seems that the local motoring scene is getting a tad boring.
As a mainstream carmaker, Ford hasn't exactly been churning a regular supply of eye-candies, but for sure its latest iteration of the Focus has more appeal than the next-door sedan from the nation of ramen-and-sashimi.
From what it seems to be, the Focus does look to offer a unique blend of sporting heritage and good looks, not forgetting being top-notch in safety standards (it was awarded the safest car in its segment by Euro NCAP).
Exterior
Completely redesigned for the model year 2012, the new Focus gains a well-balanced outlook that is adeptly mature and sporty. The bigger air intakes do its bit to make the car look purposeful, without being overly aggressive.
As a mainstream carmaker, Ford hasn't exactly been churning a regular supply of eye-candies, but for sure its latest iteration of the Focus has more appeal than the next-door sedan from the nation of ramen-and-sashimi.
From what it seems to be, the Focus does look to offer a unique blend of sporting heritage and good looks, not forgetting being top-notch in safety standards (it was awarded the safest car in its segment by Euro NCAP).
Exterior
Completely redesigned for the model year 2012, the new Focus gains a well-balanced outlook that is adeptly mature and sporty. The bigger air intakes do its bit to make the car look purposeful, without being overly aggressive.
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In Titanium trim, the focus receives a number of aesthetical enhancements over the 'lesser' Trend variant. Fog lamps surround are now chromed-finished. More distinctively, the front lamps incorporates day-running LEDs 'brows' and HID 'eyeballs', enhancing the chic, polished image. The re-worked rear end of the sedan feels much more mature too, resembling that of its larger stablemate - Mondeo - from some angles.
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Interior
Before you step into the Focus, the first thing that strikes you is the weight of the door - it's solidly built and feels chunky and does require an extra ounce or two from your muscles to work it properly.
With an array of buttons and switches clustered in the centre, coupled with the slightly thicker centre console, spaces up front does feel a little tight. Do not be mistaken, however, that the driving position is compromised by any extend - the rake-and-height adjustable steering column will make any driver feel well at home. Despite having four-spokes which may be mistaken visually for being less sporty, the steering wheel actually provides much better feel than many others in its class.
Although the multitude of buttons are a tad confusing, the four-spoke steering offers one of the best support in its class
Before you step into the Focus, the first thing that strikes you is the weight of the door - it's solidly built and feels chunky and does require an extra ounce or two from your muscles to work it properly.
With an array of buttons and switches clustered in the centre, coupled with the slightly thicker centre console, spaces up front does feel a little tight. Do not be mistaken, however, that the driving position is compromised by any extend - the rake-and-height adjustable steering column will make any driver feel well at home. Despite having four-spokes which may be mistaken visually for being less sporty, the steering wheel actually provides much better feel than many others in its class.
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However, the same could not be said about the multitude of switches found around the driver - much of them require intrinsic attention to operate, which makes multi-tasking a recurring chore for the driver. To make up for the lack of rational ergonomics, the Focus has in place a competent system for voice-control. It works anything from making a hands-free call to altering the radio frequencies and air-con settings. Most noteworthy is the system's quick response and ability to pick up localised English, rather than having to speak in the Queen's tongue.
Seats are wrapped in soft leather which feels the bit but the rear cubby holes have limited functionality
Venturing into the rear quarters, the back seats feel suitably bolstered and premium. And although leg-room isn't class-leading, there is adequate allowance in the head and leg area. Curiously though, there are two cubbyholes positioned at each side of the bench, a tad too shallow to hold bottled-drinks securely, and seems dysfunctional for other purposes.
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Venturing into the rear quarters, the back seats feel suitably bolstered and premium. And although leg-room isn't class-leading, there is adequate allowance in the head and leg area. Curiously though, there are two cubbyholes positioned at each side of the bench, a tad too shallow to hold bottled-drinks securely, and seems dysfunctional for other purposes.
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The Drive
As with its predecessors, the latest Focus does not disappoint in the way it drives and rides. The powerplant pulls eagerly when getting off the line - most notably, any tugs at the accelerator is responded with a speedy hike in the engine revs. The car feels right at home cruising on the highway and is decidedly effortless and serene.
Driving enthusiasts will be glad to know that local-bound Focus variants will receive conventional hydraulic steering, instead of the more advanced electro-mechanical system which is deemed to dull driving dynamics. This does translate into a more organic steering feel around the city corners, but can certainly do with more feedback, especially at higher speeds.
The less potent aspect of the drivetrain is felt during overtaking manoeuvres, where power delivery feels somehow sludgy. Indecisive and somewhat hesitant to respond, the 6-speed gearbox does not seem to engage the appropriate cogs at the right time.
As with its predecessors, the latest Focus does not disappoint in the way it drives and rides. The powerplant pulls eagerly when getting off the line - most notably, any tugs at the accelerator is responded with a speedy hike in the engine revs. The car feels right at home cruising on the highway and is decidedly effortless and serene.
Driving enthusiasts will be glad to know that local-bound Focus variants will receive conventional hydraulic steering, instead of the more advanced electro-mechanical system which is deemed to dull driving dynamics. This does translate into a more organic steering feel around the city corners, but can certainly do with more feedback, especially at higher speeds.
The less potent aspect of the drivetrain is felt during overtaking manoeuvres, where power delivery feels somehow sludgy. Indecisive and somewhat hesitant to respond, the 6-speed gearbox does not seem to engage the appropriate cogs at the right time.
Conclusion
It is by no pure luck that the Focus has established its current status as a fore-runner in its market segment. Like any other offerings, it does have its short-comings, in its case the slightly confusing ergonomics and less refined gearbox.
Aesthetics wise, the Focus is definitely one of the better-looking, if not the best. In general, though personal, it does exude a unique personality which translates into a pleasurable driving experience. With three variants offered, it should see to different needs too - though according to sources, the hatchback has been the predominant choice so far.
It is by no pure luck that the Focus has established its current status as a fore-runner in its market segment. Like any other offerings, it does have its short-comings, in its case the slightly confusing ergonomics and less refined gearbox.
Aesthetics wise, the Focus is definitely one of the better-looking, if not the best. In general, though personal, it does exude a unique personality which translates into a pleasurable driving experience. With three variants offered, it should see to different needs too - though according to sources, the hatchback has been the predominant choice so far.
