Ford Focus 2009 Review

Diesels in small cars are becoming more accepted and Ford's updated Focus TDCi will do nothing to detract from the trend.

Only its price might go against the torquey little hatchback - at a $28,290 starting price there are a couple of cheaper alternatives, but the Focus is by no means the most expensive either.

Interior

The first thing noticed from behind the wheel is the high seating position relative to the steering wheel, even at the extremes of seat and wheel adjustment.

It's something of a Ford trait but will only bother taller drivers - the Falcon has a similarly high set-up, which puts the legs close to the wheel and can make getting in and out a little cumbersome.

The centre console area has the controls for the sound system, with a central knob menu set-up which takes a little deciphering, but once set up is easy to use, given that most functions can be controlled from the wheel.

The seats are comfortable enough but feel a little too flat, sitting on rather than in, which becomes more noticeable as lateral forces grow.

Drivetrain

Even for a mainstream model, the TDCi can generate a decent amount of force in the corners, leaning a bit but settling nicely into corners.

Firing out of them is child's play as well, with 320Nm of torque (340Nm briefly on overboost) pushing the front wheels around a little and sometimes firing up the standard stability control - more subtle use of the throttle is very effective.

The six-speed double-clutch gearbox (a $2000 option) is smooth and quick - with the manual shift pattern going the correct way - but it has no sport model and is a little less frugal than the manual.

While not as powerful as the XR5 Turbo petrol hot-hatch, it offers similar torque levels without the thirst, laying claim to 5.9 litres per 100km (the manual returns 5.6) versus 9.3 for the XR5.

Figures for a comparable model in the UK suggest 7.8 litres per 100km around town - which is where we spent the bulk of our time in the TDCi, with a claimed 4.7 litres per 100km on the EU highway cycle, a number which is not difficult to believe either.

Filling the 53-litre tank and pointing the Focus TDCi at the open road, the little five-door has a potential highway range of between 900 and 1100km.

The two-litre direct-injection turbodiesel produces a noise that suggests diesel but its not as intrusive as some diesel passenger cars, with good insulation from vibration as well.

Using the manual gear selector, the in-gear urge is strong, with the double-clutch transmission only sometime conspiring with small amount of turbo lag to have a moment of indecision.

Equipment

The Focus range has air conditioning, tinted windows, a four-speaker CD sound system with MP3 input, remote keyless entry, power front windows and mirrors, a trip computer and variable intermittent windscreen wipers.

The optional Safety Pack (with stability control, emergency brake assist and side-curtain airbags) is standard fitment for the TDCi, along with 16inch alloys, front fog lamps, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, front and rear power windows.

The TDCi also gets a large centre console with sliding armrest (with useful storage capacity) and a rear seat centre armrest.

Something that also remains on the Focus - but is unfortunately is fast disappearing across the board - is a roof antenna for the sound system. In-glass antennas don't get the job done with the same degree of clarity and until we're all completely digitalised then a decent external antenna is preferable.

The Focus offers good boot space, with the rear end swallowing plenty of the usual family gear without an issue.

Market

Plenty of brands are spruiking hybrids and around town, hybrids make the most of the staccato traffic flow, thanks to regenerative braking and stop-start functions.

Ford's early numbers show the new model running between 7 and 10 per cent but it deserves a better chunk of the market.

But little diesels claw back some points on the open road and the Focus is an all-rounder worthy of recognition.

Ford Focus TDCi hatch
Price: from $28,290.
Engine: two-litre 16-valve DOHC direct-injection 16-valve four-cylinder turbodiesel.
Transmission: six-speed (optional) double-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive.
Power: 100kW @ 4000rpm.
Torque: 320Nm @ 2000rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 9.3 seconds. Top speed 200km/h (governed).
Fuel consumption: 5.9litres/100km, on test 7.6 litres/100km, tank 53litres.
Emissions: 157g/km.

Rivals
Holden Astra CDTi, from $29,290.
Hyundai i30 SX CRDi, from $21,890.
Dodge Caliber SXT CRD, from $32,490.
Kia Soul CRDi, from $30,890.