Im thinking about writing an opinion on condoms as I struggle to get ones big enough to fit......nuf...
Im thinking about writing an opinion on condoms as I struggle to get ones big enough to fit......nuff said.
Member since:02.08.2000
Reviews:849
Members who trust:183
When the Focus was announced as the replacement to the popular Ford Escort, I must admit, I had my doubts. After years of 1980's domination where nearly every drive in the country had a Sierra, Escort or Fiesta on it, Ford were struggling to keep up with the cheaper and more reliable Japanese models that flooded the market in the 1990's. Ford were losing shed loads of money to its competition in Europe and still is. So was the Focus really the market saviour?
Well, no, I dont think it was or is. In the mid 90's when it first hit the streets I just thought, "Oh my god, what is that ugly thing?" Yet it seems to have spawned a whole host of ugly-mobiles from various manufacturers. The straight orderly lines of 80's cars had been replaced by uneven and ugly curves that appeared to have come straight off the concept board.
Ok,it had been beaten to the medium-size car market by the even uglier and more wierd Fiat Brava and Bravo but this was the first major player to make a statement.
Looks. ------ Looking at the car from the outside makes you think, "hang on, from the front it looks just like a Fiesta/Ka!" Well it does with its sloping,pointy,angry looking headlights and oval grille. Moving back along the doors, they seem to take up the majority of the side panels. Its the rear of the car that really confuses me. It is possibly the ugliest monstrosity to come out of the design house at Dunton, Essex. No Boot, well it is a hatchback. But it is all part of the rear of the car. I liken it to the equally confused looking Nissan Almera for stragest boot in the world prize. It looks like it has had a rear end shunt and the lights have ended up somewhere at the top of the car. I dont like this.
Interior. --------- Typical Ford plastic adorns the interior. All Fords smell the same. Plastic. The dash is very arty with its White Dials that are so common today. The stereo takes up most of the centre console and looks a nightmare if you want to install an after market unit. Thankfully the people who supplied the stereo, Visteon, have done themselves proud by making a half decent effort at the sound system. This is something Ford's have lacked for sometime.
Handling. --------- Suprisingly good. Traction control really helps out the wheelspin and ABS stops you when you ask. No skidding or slipping here. The Semi Stiff shocks give you a nice level ride but can be a bit severe on your bad back if you hit the bumps. Still, a nice drive on the motorway.
Acceleration. ------------- After driving both the 1.6 and 1.8 models, you can notice a pulling difference between these cars. The 1.8 allows you to pull into the traffic when you want rather than wait for a gap big enough. Its no neck breaker but ample for most people. thats because it has its power supplied by one of the best engines in the market. The Zetec.
Safety. ------- It held up well in crash test and does come with both Driver and Passenger air bags.
Overall. -------- Id give this 7 out of 10. Handles good, drives nice but a bit ugly. Im afraid I dont think it was the saviour Ford wanted.
Information. ------------ Visit the website to check it out further. www.ford.co.uk
Fer are some stats for you. 1.8 Zetec 0-60mph time = 8.8 seconds Power output = 125 hp @ 6000 rpm Fuel Consumption =41mpg on Motorway, 28 on Urban.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Personally I think focus looks nice, better than a dull box :) - But I'm curious, what do you make of Renaults recent efforts?
rayliu 27.11.2001 18:33
Its a bit of a tricky one discussing about the Focus' looks, but I think its OK. Now loads of people scream that its ugly but with time, people begin to accept it. For instance, the Sierra in the 80's was called a bubble mould but it went on to become a worldwide success and thats exactly whats happening with the Focus. People never take notice of car that are just normal and run of the mill, they will remember cars that were innovators, so after the Focus eventually goes out of production, people, regardless of whether they like it or not, will remember it. Also people seem to forget that a reason why cars are getting more bloated these days, is because of the demand for safety, space and comfort which is far more important to most of us who drive than the fact that its not sleek looking. If we wanted a sports car, we would simply get a sports car that was impractical and didnt have much room etc. Ray
Compare Car Insurance Quotes at Quotezone? Our quote technology compares quotes from leading car insurance companies and brokers in real time, so you only have to Fill in One Form to Compare lots of reputable Insurers!
Nov 25th, 2001
very helpful by (88%):
helpful by (9%):
somewhat helpful by (3%):
