2012 Ford Focus Reviews

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

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Ford Focus as a used buy.

Despite being a huge success in Europe the Ford Focus hasn't enjoyed the sales success it deserved in Australia. Ford Focus finally first reached Australia in September 2002, several years after its European launch and continues to this day. It comes as no surprise that Ford Focus is truly European in the way it

Mitsubishi Lancer LX and Ford Focus Ambiente go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

The muscle car era is being left behind by turbocharged hot hatches.Coming in at $38,280, the Focus ST should have a long list of eager buyers keen to get behind the blue oval brand. The ST comes equipped with a range of voice command features, a 5-inch colour screen display which is integrated with a nine-speaker audio system and a SYNC connectivity system which enhances Bluetooth and the voice control systems.Ford has dropped the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder in the XR5 in favour of a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder. This is effectively the unit in the four-cylinder Falcon and despite smaller capacity, delivers 184kW of power and 340Nm of torque -- 20Nm more than the XR5.There's an overboost function that briefly takes torque to 360Nm and its sprint time to 100km/h is just 6.5 seconds, making it line-ball with the Volkswagen GTI. On price it comes in below that car and equivalents from Mazda, Mini and Renault.Transmission is by six-speed manual only, which will limit its appeal, although competitive economy of 7.4 litres per 100km should not put too many off. Special plumbing tries to make the most of the stifled sounds generated by turbocharged engines, and it's partially successful but could use a bit more growl going up through the gears.Another turbo limitation is rev-ability, and while the ST has strong, linear power delivery with great flexibility at low revs, the redline arrives relatively early. The suspension is a revised version of the standard set-up, with upgraded shock absorbers and springs that lower the car 1cm.The Focus is a good looking car and the ST improves it with 18-inch alloys, a reworked grille and body kit. It looks best in candy shades; dark colours can make it appear bland, especially from the rear. Inside, Recaro seats keep you snug and there's a driver-pleasing wheel.The gearshift action and pedals are fine and traditionalists will be pleased to see an old-fashioned handbrake. Where it loses me is its over-fussy dials and an air of immaturity to the centre console design, which is a confusion of buttons and dials. Where do you start?The electric power steering has a system to counter torque steer -- wheel-tug under hard acceleration -- and another system that brakes the inner wheel during cornering to reduce understeer -- the tendency to plough straight ahead. Torque steer isn't absent but the Focus is one of the best-handling hatchbacks around and this one only enhances its reputation.It turns into corners quickly and thanks to variable ratio steering, introduced here, it tackles hairpins without your hands leaving the wheel. It has a nicely planted feel on the road with body movements well damped and a very acceptable ride quality. Overall composure is excellent and falls short only of the very best in this category, such as the Renault Megane RS265. Negatives include a little too much tyre and wind noise.

With everything that’s going on in the automotive industry it’s hard to focus on the... well, Focus. However, the latest in the line of Ford’s small passenger car – the Focus ST – demands attention.Built in Germany, at $38,290 the Ford Focus ST is right in the melting pot of European-style hot hatches and is on sale now. It is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty and Ford’s capped price servicing.Voice commands (fully tuned to the Aussie accent, we are told), more elaborate than previously, can be used to make phone calls or select music from a digital media player. With automatic phonebook downloading hands can stay firmly on the steering wheel; eyes firmly on the road ahead.A 5-inch full colour screen displays sat nav info and is integrated with the Sony nine-speaker audio system, while a full bag of active and passive safety systems has earned the Focus ST a five-star ANCAP rating. Ford, however, is most proud of its SYNC connectivity system, advanced software, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, that enhances Bluetooth and voice control of systems.With the suffix ST, for Sports Tuning, the hot hatch, which tops off the latest Focus range, makes use of the company’s EcoBoost engine, in this case a 2.0-litre GTDI turbocharged four-cylinder unit. This is the first time EcoBoost has been brought to bear in a Ford sports car, and hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission, has the car hitting 100 kilometres an hour from rest in a spritely 6.5 seconds – that’s the ‘Boost’ bit.The ‘Eco’ part comes with the gasoline Direct Injection GDI engine surprisingly sipping just 7.4 litres of 95 to 98 RON petrol per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, while at the same time putting out 172 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, giving it Euro stage 4 status. Radiator grille shutters further improve fuel economy by automatically closing to improve Focus aerodynamics.A sports suspension is uniquely tuned for the ST and together with 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Tyres with deflation detection help to overcome insecurity on corners. A black trapezoidal grille incorporating red ‘ST’ sets the scene up front, while bi-xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights plus static cornering lights point to the use of state-of-the-art automotive technology.The Focus ST has been designed to catch the attention of the onlooker. Side skirts are the latest in fashion and lead to a bold rear sporting a roof-mounted spoiler and centrally located twin tailpipes. In the cabin, occupants are met with Recaro leather trimmed sports seats – snug fitting all round for the average-build person – sports alloy pedal covers and leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, gear and handbrake levers.Smart key is backed up by a dash-mounted engine start / stop button. Satellite navigation and reversing camera come to the aid of the driver, while occupants can take advantage of dual zone air-conditioning.Launched in Australia in the alpine region of Victoria, my co-driver for the day cheekily suggested we take the bright yellow-to-orange car, in which ‘we wouldn’t draw much attention to ourselves.’ Yeah, right, with a name like Tangerine Scream was there ever a more apt colour for a halo car?And the drive? It was a perfectly pleasant way to spend a birthday – relaxed with just the right amount of added adventure on the tight twisty roads to put the icing on the cake. Nothing fancy next, with power being distributed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Backed up by gear-shift indicator on the dash, the gears slip from cog to cog with the swift and smooth action of the stubby lever on the centre console aided by a no-nonsense clutch.Increased pedal pressure is rewarded by an increasingly sporty sound from the motor finding its way into the cabin, while torque is automatically varied between the front wheels to maintain tyre grip on fast bends further adding to the enjoyable driving experience.The steering is sublime. The new system takes power steering to a new level. Electrically assisted, operation is at maximum power at low speeds, when parking, for example, and gradually reduces on acceleration, keeping the driver in touch with what is happening between tyre and road. Feedback becomes more direct as the speed increases and steering wheel turn is trimmed for the equivalent direction change.

The ST is Ford's first "global" performance car and will be sold in more than 40 countries. It's being delivered to showrooms as we speak and there will be no shortage of punters lining up to get their hands on the hot hatch, a long and eagerly awaited replacement for the XR5 Turbo.Built in Germany the ST is up against some stiff competition, but it's got the right pedigree and commands plenty of respect.If anything the styling is a bit understated. The car sits 10mm lower than a standard Focus, with ST tuned sports suspension, a body kit and rear wing, LEDs, bi-xenon lights and a Boxster style set of twin centrally mounted tailpipes.It rides on 18 inch wheels with 235/40 series Goodyear tyres, that protrude further than the rim providing some protection from gutter scrapes. Sadly, though, unlike the XR5, there's no GT stripes available - at least not for the time being (but we get the impression they're in the pipeline). Comes in a range of colours, but the standout is by far and away the hero Tangerine - "Learner plate" yellow from where we're standing.It's basically the same 2.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged, direct injection engine that can be found in Mondeo and the Falcon, but in a different state of tune with some bits added and others replaced.The end result is an engine that kicks out 184kW of power at 5500 revs and 360Nm of torque from 2000 revs, with drive to the front wheels through a trick diff that modulates the delivery of power so it doesn't just sit there and spin the wheels when you hit the gas.The turbocharged four is paired with a short-shifting 6-speed manual with lockout reverse (there's no auto). The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 248km/h, although the latter figure is not of much import. Fuel consumption from the 62-litre tank is 7.4 litres/100km and it takes premium unleaded. We got 10.6 litres/100km during the launch program.It's eye catching with its colour-coded, part leather Recaro sports seats (front and back). But the multi-layered dash is perhaps a little bit too busy and be confusing until you become familiar with the position of various functions.Satnav is standard but it's a small display and does not provide speed camera warnings, which you might think are something of a priority with the drivers of this sort of car. Given that the Falcon gets the warnings, that doesn't makes a lot of sense - there's nothing like consistency. There's no option to display the car's speed digitally either - another priority perhaps?There's just the one model,  with the one engine, one transmission and one suspension tune, priced from $38,290. Overseas there's three of them: ST1, ST2 and ST3 - but ST1 doesn't even get air conditioning. In terms of performance and equipment levels ours sits somewhere between the 2 and 3 (thankfully with air).Ford keeps making a big deal of the Microsoft based Sync system in this and others models. The problem is that's not fully functional in this country as yet and really provides only Bluetooth, with audio streaming and voice control. Overseas it's connected to the internet which opens up a whole world of possibilities. The Sony audio system boasts nine speakers.Gets a full five stars for safety, with six airbags and a host of safety features including a reversing camera.The sports hatch segment is fiercely competitive and there will be plenty of people out there comparing the figures. Suffice to say the Focus ST looks the part and is a treat to drive, with a sporty, attention getting exhaust note - even at lower engine revs.The ST sits securely on the road, with a low centre of gravity and that desirable "planted" feel. It features variable ratio electric power assisted steering and torque vectoring to provide added traction in corners. There's some squirm as the front wheels scrabble for traction on take off, but that's only to be expected.The clutch and gear change are smooth and easy to use, but some drivers complained that the top of the centre console snagged their elbow. The ride is thankfully not too soft, nor too firm, even though it is engineered for global tastes and the more you drive the car the more confidence in its grip and cornering ability continues to grow rounding up nicely on the other side of corners.The stability system has sport and off modes and the steering weights up as the car's speed increases,  easing off again at low speed, to make parking easier. Braking is strong and progressive too, with 320mm front stoppers that have been upgraded.Although known as the XR5 here, it was actually the ST overseas. Launched in 2006, Ford has sold almost 6000 of the cars here, priced at $35,990. The XR5's turbocharged 2.5-litre five cylinder engine was good for 166kW/320Nm and it did the dash from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds. The new one is 40kg lighter and is cheaper, faster and better equipped.

Ford Australia is carefully promoting the fact that its new-generation Focus is designed more for European markets than Asian ones.In particular the global nature of the mid-sized Ford leans strongly in the Euro direction in style and handling dynamics.At one time there were plans to build the new Focus in Australia, but, sadly from our point of view, Ford’s head office couldn't make that work from an economic point of view, so most Australian Focus models are imported from Thailand.Interestingly, initial imports came from the Ford factory in Germany, with the switch to Thai built cars taking place midway through 2012. Our review car came from the Thai factory and build quality was pretty good.Ford Australia is struggling at the moment and must be sorry to have lost the chance of making the Focus here. Perhaps if there are problems with keeping the Falcon in Australia when the current model reaches the end of its life in 2016 there may be another attempt to bring production of the Focus Downunder.Priced from $21,990 the Focus comes as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Ford is bringing in no fewer than four variants to Australia as it realises Falcon sales are continuing to slip and hopes to balance this out with increased sales of Ford Mondeo and the new Focus.The latter comes here as the entry-level Focus Ambiente, the mid-range Trend and topline Titanium. Our review car was a Focus Titanium and we appreciated its high-tech features. These include voice recognition and the ability to park itself after it recognises a suitable kerbside spot, so Ford Australia is providing features often only found in upmarket European cars.Petrol engines in the latest Ford Focus have capacities of 1.6 or 2.0 litres, the larger unit being a new design featuring the efficiency of direct petrol injection. There is also a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Our Focus Titanium road test car had the 2.0-litre unit.Most drivers will find the Focus’ engine using six to seven litres per hundred kilometres if they treat it gently on country and motorway trips. This consumption will increase to eight to ten litres per hundred kilometres around town. These are good figures for a petrol engine and show the advantages of developing the direct injection fuel system.At this stage Ford Australia isn’t planning to import smaller petrol units boosted by turbochargers. However, the success of such engines in competitors such as the Holden Cruze and Volkswagen Golf may lead to a change of plan on this.Styling of the new generation Ford Focus follows a familiar theme from the previous two generations, though we feel the stylists have backed off a little and this new model isn’t as radical in its shape as previously. This is probably a sensible move as Ford is keen to pull relatively conservative buyers into the showrooms.The Ford Focus Sport has a body kit to give it more dynamic looks and performance, including firmer suspension. It’s a smooth and responsive unit with good torque on hand at all revs over about 2000, even below that it has plenty of ability to hang on so that high gears can be held to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.Handling is very much in the European mould, with good feel through the steering wheel and a nicely balanced way of entering corners and maintaining the correct speed through them. Focus is happy to change direction part way through a bend should it tighten up unexpectedly. Keen drivers who no longer need a car the size of a Ford Falcon will feel comfortable behind the wheel of a Focus.Ride comfort is generally good, though some really rough stretches of road (not necessarily dirt roads) can bounce it around at times. Some tyre noise is evident on coarse-chip surfaces, though this has been improved from the roar that was evident on some older Focus models.Tyre noise is something that has been all-but engineered out of the Falcon for many years, so the aforementioned potential buyer moving down from a Falcon should try a Focus for themselves on a coarse road.

Looking tougher and with more firepower, Ford’s Focus ST might just be the new king of hot hatches...Set to go on-sale in around 40 countries, the Focus ST is billed as Ford’s first global performance car. It’s also, and apologies for getting all gushy so soon, flipping marvelous.My seat of the pants impression after a spirited drive along the Route Napoleon in the mountains around Nice is that it’s more flexible, more thrilling, and better sounding than its key rivals (Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS, and Mazda3 MPS).While there’s no word on pricing just yet (we can expect that to be announced in the next couple of weeks), or how many Ford Australia expect to sell, you’d be reasonably safe betting on it costing around the $40k mark (about the same amount as a VW Golf GTI). And at that price, it would represent excellent value for money.Fitted with a weapons-grade 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost (184kW and 340Nm), this engine, is, more or less, the same engine nestled beneath the bonnet of the Falcon EcoBoost.As mentioned there’s been no word on pricing, but the Focus ST is Ford’s attempt to steal the crown from Volkswagen’s Golf GTI (priced from $40,490+ORC) and so a price point of around $40k should be expected.Final specification, also, hasn’t been finalised for Australian-delivered cars, but there’s a fair chance our cars will have figure-hugging, partial leather, Recaro seats and dual-zone climate control, an alarm, sat-nav (that will hopefully be recalibrated for Australia, as, at the international launch it proved notoriously slow), auto headlights, auto-dimming rear vision mirror and rain-sensing wipers.Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine which makes 184kW and 340Nm (overboost to 360Nm) from 1750rpm, is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed manual, and returns 7.2L/100km.But what really impresses about this engine is, and it’s the same as the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, its off-idle, diesel-esque drivability - a signature trait of the EcoBoost family. And it doesn’t fall away either; the gearbox, which is well matched to the clutch, offers rifle-bolt precise shifts and a near seamless pouring-on of power.Plant your foot and while it doesn’t exactly snap your head off it does, as it reels in the horizon, leave you thinking it could happily keep on accelerating into next week... The Focus ST will get to the legal limit in 6.5 seconds, but it feels faster than that, and its in-gear punch is truly impressive. Indeed, it happily hauled itself out of tight corners in fourth-gear from 1500rpm.Looking more muscular but not tacked-on aggressive than a standard Focus, the ST gets a one-piece version of the trapezoidal grille featured on the rest of the Focus range. More than that it gets a bodykit and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/40 Goodyear Eagle rubber.There’s a subtle reworking of the interior, too, with darker headlining and trim on the pillars, the figure-hugging Recaro seats, which offer the perfect blend of grip and comfort, a specially-designed steering wheel, gearshift and pedals.Up on top of the dash is a set of three guages displaying water temperature, turbo boost, and oil pressure - they seem a little tacked on, and if they weren’t there we wouldn’t be disappointed. Other than that, the interior is typical Focus, with quality materials and impressive fit and finish.Thanks to reach and rake on the steering, and plenty of adjustment on the seat, it’s a cinch to get comfortable behind the wheel. There’s plenty of room in the front seats, and decent room in the back. In terms of luggage space, and Australian-spec cars will most likely be fitted with a space saver spare wheel, you’ll get around 316 litres, drop the 60/40 split-fold rear seats and this grows to 1062 litres.Like every other Focus, the ST is eligible for a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating, and it gets a raft of active and passive safety systems. There are front and thorax-protecting airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, as well as side curtain airbags for front and backseat passengers.It also features stability and traction controls with three-stage settings (Normal, Sport and Off), ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, and Enhanced Dynamic Cornering Control, and much more.Our drive route (as well as some excellent mountain roads) took in a considerable amount of suburban roads and, ordinarily, these highly-strung hot hatches can leave you shaken and stirred, but not the Focus ST. The suspension is sporting, sure, but it’s got just enough compliance to knock the hard edges off any and all bumps and ruts, and there were plenty of those on our drive - it’ll have no problem on our roads.The electronic power assisted steering (with variable ratio steering rack) is direct (you can go from lock to lock without taking your hands off the wheel), well-weighted and consistent, and while you do get a slight tug at the wheel (courtesy of torque steer under hard acceleration) it’s minimised thanks to Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation... And so grippy is the front end, and so flexible is the car that you’d have to have fists of ham and fingers of butter to get the nose to run wide out of a corner.Thanks to its off-idle grunt it feels just as rapid as the Ford Focus RS, but is much more refined and drivable in all situations. It leaves both the Mazda3 MPS and Renault Megane RS250 in the dust and, in my opinion is better balanced and with a lot more low-down oomph than a Golf GTI. Indeed, it’s just plain better than that car.