Ford Focus 2006 Review

Their job was to shoe-horn a Volvo five cylinder turbo engine under the bonnet of the Focus hatch, make it really go, really handle and look the part for a price that makes it accessible to a large audience.

To say they have succeeded is an understatement as the XR5 is arguably the best "bang for your bucks" on the market right now.

You bet, but look at what you get for the $36,000 retail price.

The car looks a million bucks with its overt, sporty bodywork, snappy 18in alloys and low ride height. It crouches on the road ready to pounce.

The theme is carried through to the inside which is replete with Recaro sports seats in the front, a triple dial pod in the middle of the dash and sports steering wheel.

XR5 is more than a simple hot-up job as the chassis is re-engineered for strength, the suspension is totally recalibrated with stiffer springs and dampers and the brakes upgraded with 320mm discs.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre, inline five cylinder petrol engine delivering a hearty 166kW/320Nm output. Strong torque is avail- able from as low as a 1600rpm. The engine features variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides, a compact KKK turbocharger that pumps a 6.5 bar (about 9psi in the old scale) and a powerful Bosch engine computer.

Drive is to the front wheels via a close ratio six speed manual gearbox.

The discs are large and are fitted with multi- piston calipers. Steering is electro/hydraulic rack and pinion.

Numerous electronic systems control the car's dynamics including stability control, ABS and brake assist.

It bristles with safety features: six air bags and pyrotechnic seat belts among them.

The XR5 sounds great with an off-beat waffle to the dual outlet exhaust enhanced by an acoustic mechanism under the bonnet.

Acceleration is strong, not as quick as a Subaru WRX but not far behind and the handling is pin-sharp.

It really gets going higher up in the rev range but has plenty of torque for lazy touring.

Fuel consumption averages about 9.5-litres/ 100km of premium.

I really liked driving this car but there are some complaints like the space saver spare, small 55-litre fuel tank and largish turning circle.

All are minor complaints in what is otherwise an impressive package. Competitors include the VW Golf GTi which costs more, has less power and torque and is only a three door.