Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr Review

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Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr
3.7 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.7 out of 5

From 4 ratings and 14 reviews

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bgnukem's Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr

1st Nov 2006

Overall Rating

4 stars
  • Value for money
    5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    7 months
  • Performance
    3.5 stars
  • Reliability
    4.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2003
  • Doors
    5
  • Practicality
    4 stars
Good Points

Accelerates well in 2nd and 3rd gear.
Handles well.
Spacious interior.
Solid build quality.


Bad Points

Engine noisy under load.
Ride over-firm in Zetec form.
Stalls easily.
Brakes not the best.


General Comments

My first diesel - the Mark 1.5 (facelift) version of the Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr. Pretty noisy compared with other diesels driven, and the ride is pretty harsh over rough roads with Zetec suspension. Pulls well from around 1750rpm but high gearing blunts acceleration in 4th and 5th gears and engine stalls easily when pulling away. Getting about 48mpg in general driving - short trips and occasional motorway runs. Appears to be very solid and well-built, but interior looks cheap. Good handling but brakes a little marginal given extra weight of diesel engine - fitted uprated brake pads. Gear change initially quite obstructive - improved by adding auto transmission fluid to manual box. Annoyingly, rear seat back cannot be folded flat with front seats fully back. No problems so far, as expected. Common as muck but popular for a reason.

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