Suzie chose this Focus primarily
because of the good reviews that the TDDi diesel engine gets and
previous experience of later model Focus' used for work trips. The
low'ish mileage, bargain price, and Ghia spec list all helped to tip
the balance in its favour. Living in Seaton Delaval, with family and
friends in Whitley Bay, and work calling for travel all over
Newcastle upon Tyne, the ensuing high annual mileage made the choice
of a diesel as must really. It's a good looking car, the first to
successfully use Fords 'New Edge' design philosophy (the Ka was a
little too dumpy, the Cougar tried too hard). The exterior styling
uses this one curved line that gets repeated across the car. Its
there over the headlights, around the front wheel arches, in the rise
of the A pillar, the fall of the rear windows, and the high mounted
rear light clusters. It has aged well, the two replacement versions
have never really improved on the original.
Having already gone north to pick up
the car, I decided to head further north on a little trip around
Northumberland to give this car every chance to show its merits.
These first generation Focus' were highly lorded by professional
journalists when first launched and they've been harking on about
them ever since. So although on one level I want to like this car,
there is also this niggling fear that it has been over hyped over the
years. Picking up the A186 Spine Road I skirt around Ashington
before following the brown Coastal Route signs that should lead me to
Seahouses. It is a pretty route and good fun when its not too busy.
Being after 4pm on a late October afternoon, it's getting dark and
everyone seems to be heading home from work.
The steady traffic allows me time to
get settled into a comfortable position and get use to the controls
and adjust my expectations to match the modiste performance available
from that 89bhp engine. Inadvertently missing the Coastal Route
turn-off the other side of Amble, I end up on a quiet B road that
runs through Eglingham and onto Chatton. Having read on Wikipedia
that the multilink rear suspension gave exceptional ride comfort, I
wasn't convinced at first, but as I track my way down this unknown
road, it occurs to me that the surface is in a terrible condition and
the suspension is absorbing the bumps very well. In spite of the
failing light, unknown route, and muddy water that is streaming onto
the road from the sodden fields, this car really starts to come
alive.
Threading my way eastwards toward
Bamburgh, it becomes clear that the steering is not only accurate,
but well weighted, with sharp reactions and clear feedback of what
the front wheels are doing. In addition to providing a good ride,
that multilink rear suspension works a treat when it comes to
handling, as the back end never seems to get out of shape. The gear
change is very smooth and slick, the ratios are well chosen providing
access to the lag free performance of the engine, delivering smooth
progress. The engine does show signs of a little coarseness at times
that betrays its lineage back to the mid 80's and the absence of a
sixth gear shows itself when cruising back down the A19 later in the
evening. The brakes are good and easy to moderate, unlike just about
every Mondeo I've driven from this period, that were always so sharp
that you'd end up head-butting the steering wheel for the first few
miles of driving.
Sitting on the quayside at Seahouses
eating a carton of Neptune's finest fish & chips I have a chance
to take stock of my surroundings. At launch there were grumblings
about the quality of the interior plastics, but I think they are
okay. The consistent match of the different plastics and the lack of
wear after 11 years of use help to make this a nice place to sit.
The piano black inserts and super smooth velour of this Ghia model
enhance things, as does the use of a swooping swag line that runs all
the way across the car, from driver to passenger door, bringing that
'New Edge' design treatment to the interior. The ubiquitous Ford
double din stereo fits nicely into the curvature of the centre
console, unlike some other Ford dashboards.
Having refuelled myself and my ride, I
make my way south back along the Coastal Route aiming to pick up the
A19 for home at some point. With weather conditions worsening, I ere
on the side of caution, consciously easing off in a desire to return
someone else's pride and joy in one piece. Those modiste power and
torque figures, together with the great ride and superb grip, along
with the clear feedback from all the controls, mean that you never
feel that you're pushing the car beyond its capabilities. Slowing
down to potter though another village, it occurs to me that not only
were those journalists right, but that I too, am quite smitten with
this car.
Ford has always been a global
manufacturer, selling high volume, cost engineered vehicles to the
mass market. Having held such a large share of the market for so
long, it is easy to become snobbish about the brand, allowing
familiarity to breed contempt. The truth is that Ford Europe has
been producing great small family cars for as long as it has existed.
Cars that don't have to be expensive, thirsty, performance models to
be entertaining to drive. This Focus of Suzanne's has reminded me
that motoring doesn't have to about prestige, power, and performance,
it can be about a well balanced mix of components that work together
to deliver a truly enjoyable experience and a great all round
package.
Thanks to Suzanne for the loan of
her car.
ⓒ Dan Ewing 2012
ⓒ Dan Ewing 2012
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