Comments on: 2009 Ford Focus Review

By: Julian

Julian — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:31:19 +0000

I agree HAL,

Along with the XR5 the first Foci Zetec’s and the ST170 were German imports to Australia (the non Zetecs were Spanish built). I have to say the build quality on my, now 7 year old Focus is above what I’d expect from any hatch that was designed and blue printed in the 90′s. Same goes for the paint. There are a couple of stone chips now on it and you can see how deep the paint layers are.

German built cars all the way…

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:25:47 +0000

That fuel consumption does seem quite high. We’ve got a manual Focus we bought last year and we have averaged 7.5l/100 over its first 15000km. That has a higher percentage of highway driving than you do living in the city though. Automatic transmissions make small capacity engines work harder than they would in a manual due to the extra friction losses inherent in the torque converter. It also has only the four speeds meaning you need more throttle input to get similar acceleration as a manual which has a spread of the 5 speeds to choose from.

All that said I would have guessed that consumption still to be quite high as most people with autos seem to be averaging more like 9l/100 from what i’ve seen. Again though they may do a higher percentage of open road driving than yourself.

By: kris

kris — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:32:07 +0000

I believe the 60k service cost on a dsg type trans is $700?

By: kris

kris — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:10:02 +0000

I hope it does not have the dash rattles of the golf or the electrical problems or do we blame that on SA lol german cars much over rated, better off with a mazda or toyota

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:22:15 +0000

Hope to get some advice for you learned dudes.

I am either buying a 2009 Focus diesel 6speed auto or the Mazda 3 sp 25 5 speed auto. I am leaning toward the Ford because it is more roomy inside and more powerful and fuel efficient and 2K less. The mazda is great but i felt cramped inside and overwhelmed with all the electronic gadgets. I know mazda have great resale value and Ford not so great and I have read so much bad stuff about the Focus previous models, i do not want to buy a lemon. My 2003 Astra has done 79000 kms and is costing me $3000 atm when the timing belt snapped.

By: Elitebiz

Elitebiz — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:48:06 +0000

I purchased a Focus hatch in December 2007 with the four speed auto and safety pack. The window sticker said it would get 8.7 litre per 100 Km. So far I have done 13,000Kms and have only every got 11.2 -11.5. When I had it serviced at the dealers I complained but they were unable to fix it. Admittedly I live inner city and do short trips but I also occasionally drive to Bendigo from Melbourne. I don’t consider myself a lead foot – I am past that stage (I’m over 60. I also use Premium fuel from time to time. What am I doing wrong? Are other driver of Focus CL experiencing the same thing.

By: Simon

Simon — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:06:44 +0000

Cupid Stunt Says:
And the Golf’s I’ve driven suffer from the same road noise which increases greatly above 110Kmh….

Cupid, VW have particularly targeted noise levels in the new golf.
“The new Golf has about 120 sound insulation components, yet they increase the car’s weight by only one kilogram.”
– Volkswagen Magazine (Australia) Summer/Autumn 2009

By: Andrew M

Andrew M — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:00:45 +0000

Confused, (you obviously are)

as already corrected, the focus comes with 4 airbags standard.

also for the further record, the mazda 3 and lancer (the bigger players in the market) dont come with side airbags nor curtains as standard

By: Daniel Dacey

Daniel Dacey — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:16:35 +0000

When the Ford dealer network is as interesting and works as well as these new cars, then Ford might stand a chance.

Its rather more important for the ownership experience then just the car, although Ford haven’t figured that out yet, given some of the people they continue to allow to hold a franshise.

Meanwhile Mazda offer a similar vehicle without the Ford badge. Sales seem to reflect people prefer that.

By: GoldSpike

GoldSpike — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:22:25 +0000

Very good stuff, thanks for the review.