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Ford Focus 1.8 - Test Drive


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#1
Mr757

Posted 02 September 2005 - 09:04 PM

Mr757

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Guys,

Test drove Focus 1.8 earlier today. My opinion based on my observation,
compared to my existing ride, Lynx RS.

Exterior
Exterior looks pretty, but the front bonnet looks shorter compared to the
entire body. Probably due to the more compact Duratec engine. Really like
the front headlight unit. The front signal lamp is also uniquely shaped,
with a strip next to the headlamp. Door feels quite heavy, typical of
conti cars. Rims spoke looks big and not to my liking.

Interior
Inside, there seems to be a lot of hi-tech gadgets. The knobs and gadgets
feels luxurious. Power seat is very convenient and intuitive to use. As
easy, if not easier than the one in Altis. What strike me the most is
the dashboard. Didn't really like the dashboard's plastic, IMHO, feels
cheap. The steering doesn't feel elegent too. Too much gadgets were put
on the steering wheel, especially on the left side. The radio control
which is located on the left side of the steering wheel is a bit too big,
and caused me problem a couple of times when trying to reach for the
signal. Probably will be OK after got used to it. The meter panel looks
good and luxury. Climate control feels cool, with minimal noise from the
blower. Leather seat feels good, and space is ample inside. Boot is
spacious, and opens via damper (like my friend's 325) ThumbUp

Test drive
With only 15 min of test drive, not much can be said. Furthermore, the
Friday traffic in Kuantan is bad, with ppl coming back from prayer. Max
top speed reached was abt 60km/hr, and with a lot of cars, didn't really
have the chance to sped off. Anyway, feels that the noise insulation is
comparatively better than my RS. Electric power steering needs some time
getting used too, as I have never driven a car with one. With the limited
testing time, feels that handling is comparable with my RS, but the
wheel/suspension probably does a better job of absorbing the road
unevenness and noise, probably due to the higher tire profile compared to
RS.

I found that the responsiveness is less than my RS; tried to invoke the
transmission into 3rd gear a couple of time, but the pick-up feeling is
definitely lacking, probably due to the additional weight of the car,
combined with the lesser bhp and torque, compared to RS. The engine is
also probably still a bit tight, with only 700+ km so far. Didn't try the
tiptronic as there were too many cars around. Afraid that I might fumble
with it and hit other cars...

Overall Impression
A good car, with a lot of high tech gadgets, targeting probably the
family man. A boy racer would probably feels more satisfaction driving
the RS. SA told me that they would probably price it at 120k for the 1.8,
and 130k for the 2.0, excl. insurance. Which would put it head to head
with Altis 1.8, and Civic 2.0, respectively. Spec-wise, and handling
wise, it would probably win. But with the lack of brand image, low 2nd
hand value and high price, I feel that the Focus will have a tough time
competing with the more established Toyota and Honda. Of course, I pray
for the best to Ford and its Focus, but a lot has still got to be done to
compete in the market.

As for me, still feel that my RS is a better ride for me; no real
motivation/urge to go and trade anytime soon. Cool

That's all for Focus 1.8, now waiting for the 2.0...



#2
williaml

Posted 02 September 2005 - 11:11 PM

williaml

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What's the price for 1.8? and what colour available?

#3
caliguy

Posted 03 September 2005 - 04:16 PM

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mr 757 how is the FC of RS? i plan to get one and dude how is the speed? i
posted a message for the price of RS and the discount for it, until now
some say no more RS available and some say only have RS 2004 spec, which
one u driving? appreaciate if u could give me some info......

#4
Mr757

Posted 04 September 2005 - 08:15 AM

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Caliguy,

FC is OK for me. Abt 12.5km/liter (12 - 13 sen/km), mostly highway
driving with 2 ppl in the car. Some ppl in city driving FC claim it is a
bit higher, about 17 - 18 sen/km. Speed is good, as you can go from 0 -
130 km/hr easily. Pickup from standstill (ie. traffic light) is good
too, so far, able to smoke most car, except evo and my friend's 325. One
or twice there are ah beng's transplanted engine faster than me also, but
rare. I have pushed it to 180km/hr (about 4700 rpm), that's the most for
me, don't wanna stress the engine unnecessarily. Some ppl have driven it
to 215km/hr, though.

Yes, I heard that no more RS 2005 is available. A few RS 2004 units are
still around, I heard. No difference that I know of, except that 2004
will be older by one year. BTW, mine is 2005.

Good luck finding one.

#5
CareWhy

Posted 04 September 2005 - 08:49 AM

CareWhy

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Hi Mr757, could you share on the rpm likes when cruise at 110km/hr?
Thanks for sharing.


#6
caliguy

Posted 04 September 2005 - 08:59 AM

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thank you so much bud, thats what im talking about speed now time to search
for the 2005 spec if no choice will go for 2004.. i send e mail to ford
till now only automated reply still waiting, hope anyone can suggest me a
place to look for....

#7
Mr757

Posted 04 September 2005 - 02:14 PM

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At 110kmh, the rpm is slightly below 3000. 3000rpm is abt 113 kmh or so,
therefore at highway legal speed, the engine is hardly stressed at all.
If you look at the engine performance curve, max torque is 192 Nm @ 4500,
therefore, that is probably the most efficient rpm to be in. If you
wants to conserve fuel, might wanna stay less than 4750 rpm, though,
because at 4750 rpm, the VICS opens, and probably the fuel-air ratio is
richer (my assumption), to compensate for the additional air.



#8
ranii

Posted 09 September 2005 - 05:16 PM

ranii

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test drove in 1 utama

Good points:-

Looks good and big
Quiet engine
Solid feel, firm suspension
Nice beige leather interior
Got manual control on transmission

Interesting points (not sure good or bad)

Electronically controlled seat and steering adjustment
Self opening windows to let out heat when approaching the car
Need key to open bonnet. Ford sign can flip one....

Not so good points:-

Hard to see road, bonnet high...may get some bumps and scratches during
parking
Dashboard not quite modern
Farnee radio/stereo control sticking out of the steering
indicator too quiet..... dunno whether on or not...
Car feels very heavy, the 1.8 engine is just OK for it...


#9
TheGunner

Posted 11 September 2005 - 05:15 PM

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Well... if Ford can get it to be priced at RM120k, they are on to a
winner.

The car looks good and is well-specced.

A good drive too, but traffic conditions did not permit me to push the
car to its limits.

#10
demio121

Posted 11 September 2005 - 06:16 PM

demio121

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test drove the Focus 1.8 at 1U today. 2 car available and the 2 fella in
front of me took the car for almost 20min spin. Gotta wait under the hot
canopy but i ain't complaining cuz i was like doin eye wif one of the Ford
girl (she is in one of the pic)...!!! How i luv Ford.

Exterior.
OK. You can call me bias here cuz i am a ford/mazda fan. I prefer the 1st
gen Focus but this one is way ahead of competition in term of styling.
Europe styling, what can i say more. The spoiler at the rear is
kinda "mencacatkan" the look. The front tells you that is a unique among
its peer. I would say the rear, both clean and handsome.

Interior
The interior quality is a little let down. Not as bad as some National
brand. Maybe i was hoping for too much, but the plasti is a little dull.
Well, at least its not some hard plastic. I think Focus is as Japanese as
European can be. Compared to the previous Focus, the 2nd Gen Focus not
too European. Stiull you find some European taste like cornering signal
on the left, light control on the dash and the stalk control design. Hey,
i have been driving Japs car all my life, so all this is a nice change.

Some nice thought are like the electronic driver seat control. dual air-
con control for front passenger. air-con vent for rear passenger. due to
the rear air-con vent, the arm rest is kinda low on storage space.

Driving.
Sunday around 1U...!!! how to test a car??? neway, took the car all teh
way to KBU tehn head to the police station and turn left back to 1U. I
kinda think the engine roar is a little loud when push. Later 2 other
test driver was praising how quiet the car is, hmmm.... maybe i was hoping
for executive class refinement. teh sequential shift is what i like
most. Gear change without jerk and responsive.

my thought...
indicative price rm120. I personally this rm120 for this car is expensive
but in Malaysia its great value. You get a conti 1.8 car. Citroen C4 is
rm120 too and offer less. among the competition, Focus stand out
proudly. If one can look beyond the brand, then i think Focus represent a
great buy.