Articles by Graham Smith

It should have been plain sailing for Ford with the European designed Focus, but it wasn't to be. The introduction of a dual-clutch automatic transmission saw the Focus badge develop a reputation for appalling reliability. Dual-clutch automatics were hailed as a revolution in transmission technology, promising the

So focused was Ford on selling the Falcon that it lost sight of the Focus after its initial launch in 2002. With minimal marketing the LR Focus failed to excite the market, so there was plenty riding on the new LS model that arrived in 2005.The lack of backing for the LR was a sign Ford was throwing everything at the locally produced Falcon at the expense of all else at a time the market was beginning to tune in to smaller cars.Those who failed to see the first Focus missed out on a good car, one that deserved more attention than it got.The new LS Focus delivered European driving dynamics in a sophisticated, but still value-for-money package.The LS Focus was a more rounded car than the LR that preceded it.While the LR was lauded for its sportiness, the LS won more plaudits for its sophisticated feel, roominess and improved interior.There were two body styles, a five-door hatch and a four-door sedan, with two levels of trim, the CL and LX, available in each.In addition there was a sporty Zetec hatch and a luxury Ghia sedan.The LS was wider than the LR, its wheelbase was longer, and it was a little stiffer.Ford's designers moved away from the soft, rounded forms that were a feature of the LR and gave the LS a sharper, more chiseled look.The CL opened the door to the LS range. It was available as a sedan or hatch, it came with a 2.0-litre engine and there was the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.It also boasted plenty of standard goodies to please the small car buyer.Standard features included air conditioning, remote central locking, front fog lights, power steering, power front windows, a radio/CD player with four speakers, a trip computer, rear spoiler (hatch only), and there was an option pack that included 15-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, and cruise control.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, and seat belt pretensioners.Like the CL, the LX was available as a sedan or hatch, it had a 2.0-litre engine, and was available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission.Standard features included air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, remote central locking,  front fog lights, power steering, power mirrors and windows, a radio/CD player with four speakers, an immobiliser, and a trip computer.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, side front airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, and electronic brakeforce distribution.Ford of Europe has long been renowned for building cars that steer and handle brilliantly and the Focus was no exception.The Ghia was only available as a sedan with a 2.0-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission.Befitting its position as the leader of the pack the Ghia had a host of standard features, including climate control air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, radio/CD player with four speakers and a six-disc stacker, remote central locking, front fog lights, power steering, power windows and mirrors, power drivers seat, and a trip computer.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, side front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, ABS braking and electronic brakeforce distribution.For those looking for a sportier ride Ford offered them the Zetec hatch with the 2.0-litre engine and the choice of five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.Standard features of the Zetec were climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, fog lamps, immobilizer, power windows and mirrors, power steering, leather trim, power drivers seat, and a trip computer.Giving it a sporty flavor were 17-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, a rear spoiler, and sports suspension.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, side front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, ABS anti-lock braking, and electronic brakeforce distribution.New to the range was the XR5 Turbo hot hatch with a turbocharged Volvo-sourced 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.It had a full complement of standard features, including air conditioning, radio/CD player with eight speakers and a six-stacker, remote central locking, front fog lights, leather steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, power driver's seat, and a trip computer.Sporty features were 18-inch alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, and sports seats.Safety features included airbags for the driver and front passenger, head airbags, side front airbags, ABS braking, emergency brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and traction control.The big news in 2007, when Ford updated the Focus, was the introduction of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine option.Sadly, the TDCi was only available with a six-speed manual gearbox until a subsequent update in 2009 when it also became available with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.By then the Ghia was gone, but the range of sports models was expanded and now included the Zetec, the XR5 and the RS.The 2009 update also brought Bluetooth and the capability of connecting an iPhone or Android device, although it wasn't available in the base model CL.While Bluetooth technology was available there was no touchscreen, parking sensors, reversing camera, or a park assist system. Also absent were sat nav and a sunroof.The spare tyre was a temporary use space-saver.Fresh air fiends were covered with a coupe-cabriolet released in 2007.With a folding hardtop the CC offered the best of both worlds, open air with the roof folded and the security of a fixed-roof coupe with the roof up.The downside was the limited boot space with the roof folded.The Focus cabin had five seats in a conventional layout, with the hatch rear seat a split-fold deal to expand the capacity to carry luggage.Everyone had good head and legroom, and travelled in relative comfort.Some were critical of the comfort of the seats, which were typically firm in the European style.There were plenty of storage options spread around the cabin, and those in the front seats had the use of cupholders.Lap-sash seat belts facilitated the fitment of a baby car seat, but ISOFIX mounting points weren't fitted.The main engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-cam petrol unit that produced 107kW (143 horsepower) and 185Nm when working at its respective power and torque peaks.It was available with a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or a conventional four-speed automatic transmission.The performance choice was the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine Ford sourced from its (then) Volvo arm.It required the use of 95-octane premium unleaded to achieve its ultimate performance, which saw it put out 166kW (222 horsepower) and 320Nm.When at its best it was capable of completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.8sec.Ford met the demand for a diesel engine in 2007 with the launch of the TDCi, which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel that boasted 100kW of maximum power and 320Nm of peak torque.Initially it was only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the option of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was added in 2009.The appeal of the Focus was its driving dynamics. Ford of Europe has long been renowned for building cars that steer and handle brilliantly and the Focus was no exception.Aside from the trouble with the dual-clutch transmission in the TDCi the reliability of the Focus is generally good.A combination of MacPherson Strut independent front suspension and 'Control Blade' independent rear suspension finely tuned by Ford's suspension experts meant anyone looking for a rewarding driving experience could do no worse than settle into a Focus.It might have been a conventional front-wheel drive, but it was a delight to drive.The agile and responsive handling didn't come at the cost of ride comfort; the ride was smooth and supple.Road noise was an issue, particularly in hatches.The Focus was well equipped with safety features for the time.All models in the range had airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side front airbags became standard in 2008.ABS braking was standard on the Ghia from 2005, and across the range from 2007.ANCAP rated the Focus four stars out of five.In recent years the Focus badge has become tainted by the problems that beset the 'Powershift' dual-clutch automatic transmission.The only model fitted with the dual-clutch auto in this generation of the Focus was the TDCi when the Powershift auto was released on the diesel engine in 2009.Anyone considering an automatic TDCi should think long and hard before buying one. History now tells us that the dual-clutch is trouble, and should be avoided.But the automatic transmission used across the rest of the range was a conventional automatic and that is trouble free.Aside from the trouble with the dual-clutch transmission in the TDCi the reliability of the Focus is generally good, but of course buying a used car demands careful inspection.The best buy is always the one with the fewest kilometres with a known history of ownership and service. Tick those boxes and you won't go far wrong with the Focus.Build quality was a concern with the Focus; it wasn't as good as those cars coming from Asia.With that in mind check all electrics in the car to make sure everything is working.Brakes tend to wear out quicker than some cars; it's a factor of the 'driving' nature of the car.A cam timing chain eliminated the need and extra cost of replacing a belt.Capped price servicing didn't apply to the Focus, but there's nothing that should make it an expensive car to maintain, and using an independent mechanic can contain service costs.Ford recommended servicing the Focus every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever came first.The warranty was for three-years/100,000 km, but that has long since expired.There was a recall for a batch of turbo-diesels built between 2007 and 2009 without an exhaust system heat shield.Another one was for some cars built between 2008 and 2009 with a potentially faulty brake booster.MORE: If anything crops up, you'll probably find it on our Ford Focus problems.Kim Odgers: I bought my CL hatch new in 2007 when it caught my eye at the dealer. All these years later I still have it and love it. I love driving it, and it has been very reliable.Kerry Hampton: We've had our CL for years and have had not trouble to speak of. It's good to drive, and easy to manoeuvre and park.Billy Ahrens: I've had my 2007 Zetec hatch for three years. It's a lovely car, easy to drive, parking is a breeze, it's comfortable, but the road noise is awful.Michael Firth: I owned a 2006 LX for two years, but sold it because the seats were uncomfortable, the road noise was high, and the build quality was awful.Toyota CorollaDurable and reliable as they come and holds its value well.3.5 stars.VW GolfA car you want to love, but more likely will loathe because of the troubles with the DSG gearbox.3 stars.Mazda3A favourite small car that ticks all the boxes.3.5 stars.A car you can enjoy driving, if you avoid the Powershift transmission.

There was a time in the 1980s when Ford’s Mazda-based Laser ruled the small car market, but by the end of the ’90s it had become uncompetitive.

Remember that old saying: “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Well, that was Honda’s approach when it released the new 4th generation CR-V in 2012. Honda was an early adopter of the SUV, it was very successful with the earlier generations of the CVR-V, and stuck to its tried and true game plan with the new RM

Honda was already on a winner with the CR-V, but the new RE model that arrived in 2007 was a clear and welcome improvement over earlier models.

The SUV market was really beginning to swing by the time Honda launched its improved CR-V late in 2001. With sales surging and more and more people switching out of traditional sedans and station wagons, carmakers were racing to get in on the action. Honda having been there virtually from the beginning was enjoying

The SUV market was still in its infancy when Honda launched its first CR-V in 1997, and many regard that compact all-wheel drive Honda town-biased light-duty off-road wagon as the car that ignited demand for the all-new genre of family car. Before the CR-V there was the Toyota RAV4, but the Toyota was aimed quite

Australia has been waiting a whole decade for a new Forester, but does the all-new model live up to the legend?

The many fans of Subaru’s four-wheel drive models were rejoicing with the news of the Forester in 1997.It quickly attracted a legion of followers after its launch, and Subaru was eager to build on that momentum when it released an updated model in 2002.The new MY03 model was an evolution of the previous one rather than a revolution. It followed the same theme, but complaints levelled against the earlier model were addressed.A lack of performance from the 2.0-litre engine was the most common grumble about the older model, and Subaru was quick to promote the change to a 2.5-litre engine in the new car.Another negative sometimes aired was that the Forester felt a little flimsy. It wasn’t, it just felt that way.In response there was a new, stronger body shell that boosted cabin space, and offered better side impact protection.For your X money you got more safety features and more equipment.The growing popularity of the SUV demanded companies like Subaru offer more to satisfy the increasing variety of needs and wants of a new buying clientele switching to the new-age wagons.With that came a new model line-up, starting with the X at the entry-point.For your X money you got more safety features and more equipment.Dual front airbags, anti-lock ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, seat belt pretensioners boosted the Forester’s safety, while standard air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, an adjustable steering wheel, roof racks, and a radio cassette player with four speakers added to its comfort and convenience.For more there was the XS, and for the extra spend you got 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, a six-stacker CD player, fog lights, and automatic self-levelling suspension.But like the steak knife salesman Subaru had even more in the form of the XS Luxury.On top of all that you got with the XS the Luxury sub-tag got you the added safety of side airbags, leather trim, and a power sunroof.The sizzling hot GT was discontinued in MY03; at least the GT badge was dropped.It came back as a MY04 model in 2003, but carrying an XT badge. It still had the performance of a turbo engine, but not the image of the GT.The XT spec mirrored that of the XS.Like the XS there was also a Luxury version of the XT, its spec mirrored the XS Luxury.An update in 2005, dubbed MY06, boosted the engine’s performance, and improved its offroad capability with increased ground clearance.Towards the end of its model life Subaru added a special model, an X with sat nav.But anyone looking to have Bluetooth to connect an iPhone or Android device, a touchscreen, parking sensors, reversing camera, or a park assist system would have been disappointed.The new body promised more elbow and legroom for those in the front and rear seats.It was a rather bland place to find yourself; awash with plastics that felt hard to the touch, but at the same time it was on a par with most other models coming from Japanese carmakers.Trim on the bulk of the models was durable cloth; those tagged with the Luxury badge had leather.It was of a time when buyers were expecting, of all things, more cupholders, and Subaru obliged with seven in the MY06 update, and threw in a small picnic table in the rear for good measure.Lap sash seat belts allow for the fitment of a baby car seat, but there were no ISOFIX mounting points.Like the first Forester the MY03 was powered by a horizontally-opposed, flat-four petrol engine, but unlike the previous model it was a 2.5-litre engine designed to address the complaints about a lack of performance of the earlier 2.0-litre engine.Power and torque were both increased, up to 112kW (150 horsepower) and 223Nm respectively.When required the 2.5-litre models would do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds, the turbo models in a blistering 6.4 seconds.Both ran on petrol, the base 2.5-litre engine could use 91-octane regular, but the turbo needed 95-octane premium to run at its best.The transmission options were a five-speed manual gearbox, or a rather dull four-speed automatic transmission.Manual versions had dual-range all-wheel drive; the autos had an on-demand system.When the XT arrived in 2003 it came with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine putting out 155kW/320Nm.The MY06 update saw the performance peaks of both engines increased.The base engine jumped to 121kW/226Nm, while the turbo engine went up to 169kW/320Nm.A shortage of ground clearance meant it was necessary to stay away from the hard going off-road if you didn’t want to be stranded. Keep that in mind and you won’t go far wrong, it’s quite capable.On the blacktop it’s a great performer. Sure-footed with all-wheel drive it’s a good thing to drive.With only a four-speed automatic it lacks the smoothness and driveability that comes from having a fifth ratio.The good news was that ANCAP gave the Forester a full complement of five stars.In base form it came with dual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners, and an array of electronic safety features, like ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution.Further crash protection in the form of side front airbags were added in 2005.The Forester’s reliability is exemplary; owners report few problems even though some have had them for quite a long time.The flat-four ‘boxer’ engine is strong and reliable, but it’s important to check for oil leaks and signs of oil burning. It’s quite common to see a puff of smoke from the tailpipe on start-up in the morning; it’s generally oil that has accumulated in the piston rings while the car has been sitting idle overnight.Like all cars the Forester thrives on regular maintenance and oil changes. Subaru recommended servicing every 12,500km or six months, and it’s important that this routine is maintained.Use the recommended 5W-40 oil and you won't go wrong.The engine employs a cam timing belt and this requires changing every five years or 100,000km. Ignoring it is to risk serious internal damage to the engine.It pre-dated capped price servicing, but service costs aren’t expensive and any mechanic can do it.The warranty when new was for three years/unlimited kilometres.This model Forester was not affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall.Look for evidence of off-road use by checking the underbody for damage, and walk away if you see any. There are lots of other cars on the market that have only been used on sealed roads.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Subaru Forester problems.Kevin Oakes: My X rides smoothly and handles well. It’s economical and the performance is quite good for my needs.Karen Hardy: My 2004 XT never fails to excite me; it goes hard and pushes you back in the seat when accelerating. It’s sturdy, handles well, and it’s been reliable.Terry Harrison: I have an XT Luxury, which has been great for everyday use, but even better when I get away on weekends. It’s fast and so far it has been reliable.Tanya Thomson: Our 2006 XS is the second Forester we’ve had. I love the performance of the 2.5-litre engine, but I’d like more room in the back.Colin Adams: I’ve loved my 2007 XT since I bought it new. The performance is great, the economy reasonable, and the cabin is roomy enough for a couple or small family.Hyundai Santa FeMuch improved, but still great value-for-money, and there is a diesel.Ford TerritoryMuch maligned for its suspension troubles, the early Ford SUV is one to avoid.Toyota RAV4Grown up SUV was larger, roomier, with good performance and road manners.Nice blend of everyday practicality and off-road capability for weekends.

The emergence of the four-wheel/all-wheel drive SUV wagon as the vehicle of choice for many, if not most Australians has been the most profound change in the market ever.