Comments on: 2008 Ford Focus XR5 Turbo Review

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:36:45 +0000

Hey Yanzo,

Yeah I know… you need to put the spare key in the hood? I guess it’s so no one steals your engine… riiight -.- hahahha

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:35:13 +0000

I have the 2008 model ford focus xr5 turob (yes, in orange of course) and it has curise control? Not too sure why. I noticed the 2008 models don’t but do the 2009? Maybe mine is a later model..

Really good car however, could pull a bit more. I think it’s missing one cylinder haha

By: Vivashal Singh

Vivashal Singh — Tue, 03 May 2011 22:07:54 +0000

An addictive car that makes you want to go on long trips, yet I find the difference in weather conditions (Temp and Humidity) to really effect Performance of the XR5. I owned the R26 and driven the ST in South Africa – and they seem to have a more consistent power delivery across all weather changes. Does the ECU have anything to do with this ?

By: andrew

andrew — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:36:44 +0000

I’m very much doubting the 0-400 time, in a car that weighs 1366kg and only has 166kw at the engine.

By: Numb1er

Numb1er — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:01:49 +0000

Andy there is no way that a Colt Ralliart can keep up with a XR5 Turbo. I’ve driven both cars and the XR5 has alot more grunt. If not why would people buy this over the Colt. XR5 best there ever was best there ever will be.

By: Phill

Phill — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:18:19 +0000

Is that 400m time Fair Dnkum???Seems a bit fast.

By: Yanzo

Yanzo — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:49:56 +0000

interior… very nice, fords interiors are very consistantly eye pleasing. exterior… can’t complain. engine… not as impressive as when i saw the vtec. but wtf is up with the way you open up the hood? wtf???

By: Donna

Donna — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:45:45 +0000

We just bought the LV in Performance Blue (no stripes) with leather and sunroof. Trouble is my hubby hogs it so I’ve only driven it once but made sure the experience was worth it! Had an XR6 T in auto a couple of years ago, but love the size and manual box in the XR5 T more than I thought I would. I can put up with the few nuisances it has like no C/C, foot rest and being a bit noisy (not too bad) because as a package it is sensational. Love the engine and gear box, engine noise, seating/comfort and paracacality and it can go like stick if you want it to. No regrets so far – just want to drive it more!!

By: Watto_Cobra

Watto_Cobra — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:19:46 +0000

That was a pretty good mini-review Hugo. Good stuff.

By: Hugo

Hugo — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:58:21 +0000

One of my friends recently purchased an LV XR5 and I must say, it seems to me to be a thoroughly impressive hot hatch for the dollars. Not to impliedly deride the car’s looks, chassis or build, but I still think the motor is its standout feature. That engine is brilliant!

I thought my mate was bullsh##ting about being able to drive around in 6th gear at 40km/h without the motor struggling, then I sat in the passenger seat and ate humble pie while he demonstrated. Then to add insult to injury, he went up a steep hill – still at 40km/h in 6th gear – and the thing didn’t even break a sweat. Then opened it up on a straight shortly after, and it sounded awesome! Indeed that is a fine engine..

I’d always harboured the unfortunate misconception that the XR5 weighed in at 1440kg+ and hence I never bothered to test drive one when I bought my last car (an MY08 WRX.) At 1360 odd kg, it’s about the same as a 5 door Golf GTi and with considerable advantages in both power and torque, I’m surprised it isn’t faster to 100km/h.

The suspension on the XR5 is fantastic too, sadly better than my WRX, although to be honest, I think the car’s still not quite spot on.

Front wheel drive still kills it for me, and whilst it’s probably among the more capable of the breed, you’re never far from your friends in the ‘steer’ family (understeer, torque steer, and cousin lift-off oversteer..) if you really push it. Whilst the grip is commendable, I don’t imagine those 18 inch 225/45 Continentals would be cheap to replace either. And what’s with the miserly 50 litre fuel tank?

The lack of cruise control too (esp in Victoria, with our speed camera infested highways) is somewhat unforgiveable this day and age. Certainly not a deal breaker in itself, but an unnecessary inconvenience by its curious omission.

In all though, I guess one has to remember the XR5 only costs $37k or so, and that said, on a bang-for-your-buck assessment, it pretty much trounces all the competition in my book.