Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Ghia 5dr Review

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3.7 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.7 out of 5

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Rob.'s Review of Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi 115 Ghia 5dr Estate Car

19th Sep 2001

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4 stars
  • Practicality
    4.5 stars
  • Performance
    4.5 stars
  • Reliability
    5 stars
Good Points

Almost everything you could think of.


Bad Points

1.8 Diesel engine a bit rattly, visibiliy is poor.


General Comments

This review is based on UK-spec 1.8 TDi CL, but this is the same Focus as in the US. I have driven several examples of the 1.8 turbodiesel engine. The engine may be the weakest point. It's a bit noisy and rattly compared to petrols, but the torque means you leave petrol cars for dead. Hit the gas at 2000rpm and it will leave most petrol cars standing. Can expect 45 mpg, even with aircon, more than 50 with it switched off. Ride and refinement are superb. It's hugely comfortable to drive long distances and feels a lot more stable at speed than other similar cars. Even in the diesel, 90mph cruising is easy. But when you feel a bit sporty, it goes round corners brilliantly too, thanks to excellent steering and handling. The boot in the hatchback is a bit small, but the estate is huge and the only trade off is slightly harder feel to the suspension. Can't compare this to the new Peugeot 307 or Honda Civic, but it is a whole class abouve the Peugeot 306, or Renault Megane/Scenic. We have the CL base model, and I would recommend that as you can get all the useful options added- The option packs fitted as standard to our current car include aircon, antilock brakes, traction control (very useful as it wheelspins easily), electric mirrors, and a six-CD changer stero in the dash with remote on the steering column. Reliability seems good. The first car went 45000 miles, and nothing at all went wrong. The only other negative things I can think of are that the visibility over your shoulder is poor in the hatchback, and they are as common as muck (not a huge range of colours either)- but then they probably deserve to be.

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