She says, he says: Ford Focus Trend
- How the Ford Focus Trend won Drive's Best Small Car for 2015
- Read all the latest Ford news and reviews here
He: The Focus has been a favourite in the Drive office for a few years now but it was in need of a freshen up, especially the busy cabin. Thankfully Ford has done just that, bringing new EcoBoost (turbocharged petrol engines) and its SYNC2 infotainment system. What do you make of the refreshed Focus, Molly?
She: I'm also a fan and I think it's a really smart looking car, inside and out. I completely agree, the re-freshed look and dash textures really smarten up the interior. From a technology and equipment perspective, the new Focus is a really competitive package and I found the SYNC2 system very intuitive. How did you find the performance of the EcoBoost engine?
He: It was about time Ford joined the modern crowd with a downsized turbocharged engine. Despite its compact size it has more than enough punch to haul the Focus along. And the six-speed auto is a slick gearbox that is well-matched to the engine. One thing that hasn't changed is how it drives, the Focus has always been one of the best balanced and most enjoyable hatches to drive and this one is no different in my book. Agree?
She: Agreed on that too, Steve. It feels quite light and easy to drive. Although the Focus has one of the best technology and features package in its class, it also has the highest starting price. Around $3,000 more than some of the competitors, which is quite significant. How do you think this will affect the Focus's popularity against the likes of the i30, Mazda3 and Corolla?
He: Ford obviously believes it doesn't need a cheaper entry-level model to take on its rivals. This updated range seems, dare I say, focussed at the private market. So at this price point in the segment, as you say, it is very well equipped and I think it's good value. The new SYNC2 has really improved the presentation and feeling of quality inside the cabin, which was one of the major negatives of the previous model. But the other downside was a lack of rear space and that remains.
She: It's an interesting point and strategy by Ford. But I think the way you can integrate your everyday life into the car is a big plus, particularly for the private buyer. The handling dynamics also come into play here too. The retuned suspension and steering make the car feel nimble but secure on the road. There are certainly a lot of selling points to make a good case for its price tag. Would the lack of space be a deal breaker for you?
He: The space is a factor, but it's far from a deal breaker. Overall I think the Focus ticks a lot of boxes - I like the way it drives, the new engine is an improvement and the interior has taken a big step forward with SYNC2 - both how it looks and how it works. For me, the Focus would be right near the top of my small car shopping list. You?
She: I would certainly consider it. I actually still own the previous model Fiesta in the UK and don't have many complaints about the blue oval. The competition is very strong in this market, but I think the new Focus is a stronger competitor than it has been.
2015 Ford Focus Trend EcoBoost pricing and specifications
Price: $24,390 plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 132kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, FWD
Fuel use: 6.2L/100km