Ford Focus 2002 Review

It has been a very long time coming, but last month Ford finally ditched its long serving and, of late, slow selling Japanese-sourced Laser in favour of the European-built Focus. The Focus was actually launched in Europe over three years ago, and while Ford Australia insists that it was only recently that it managed to get the right business case to make the car viable in this market, the reality is that while the company held off, it is the market that moved.

Ford's excuse for not getting the car here sooner was always that exchange rates made its entry price prohibitive, but not a lot has changed on that front. However, with an increasing number of small hatches sourced from Europe on the market, Ford now claims there is a place for premium priced quality European products - products that appeal to a different sort of buyer to those looking for affordable everyday transport under $20,000.

For evidence, it only needed to look at Holden's Astra, which with its superior driving characteristics and stylish design has been selling up a storm for the past three years, despite costing more than most of its Japanese rivals on a model for model basis.

Likewise, European importers such as Volkswagen and Peugeot have also had sales success with cars like the Golf and the 307, so it finally became clear to Ford that there are discerning buyers in the small car market who want more from their hatch than just whitegoods on wheels.

A discernible character emanates from these European cars. As a broad generalisation, they tend to follow a design aesthetic that is sharper and harder edged, and complements handling characteristics that make them good driver's cars.

The Focus is no different. Praise for the little hatch has been loud and consistent, with the car taking out the European Car of the Year title in 1999 and the North American Car of the Year gong in 2000.

In Australia the range presently offers three engines, three body styles and four trim levels, with prices starting at $22,080 for the entry-level 1.8-litre manual CL five-door hatch.

For many buyers after a Euro hatch, their sporty handling appeals. So for our test we chose the sportiest of the present line-up, the Zetec manual five-door hatch, which retails for $27,890.

Until the top of the range 127kW / 196Nm ST170 three-door arrives next year, the Zetec is the driver's Focus.

Like many of the new products coming out of Europe, the Focus is unlikely to drive by unnoticed. When first launched, its sharp lines and dramatic interior were often described as radical. While other makers have also broken the mould, the visual appeal of the Focus is still no less refreshing. It may be polarising, but at least it offers something different.

For the Zetec, that sharp styling is further accentuated by the slightly lowered ride height, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome tipped exhaust. Inside, the sports highlights come in the form of bigger bolstered seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a bespoke instrument cluster.

Getting comfy and well positioned in the driver's seat is easy with a fully adjustable steering column and seat height adjustment. Rear accommodation is also quite good with decent head and legroom for a couple of average-sized adults, while the boot provides 490 litres of luggage space, which is expandable with the 60/40 split fold rear seat back. Standard equipment includes remote locking, CD sound, power front windows, air-conditioning, dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes. The only niggle with the interior is that some of the fit and finish isn't up to Japanese standards.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that in Zetec tune generates 96kW of power and 178Nm of torque. Although fairly refined and smooth, this unit is probably the biggest letdown of the whole Focus mechanical package. While reasonably strong, with the relatively hefty Focus to shift, it just doesn't have the off-line momentum you might expect from a 2.0-litre. Once it is wound up a bit, however, it does respond well to right foot input and judicious shifting of the smooth five-speed gearbox.

The mid-range rev band is where this car is the most fun to drive, because from a handling perspective we have no complaints. The Zetec has a firmer tune for its front MacPherson strut and rear Control Blade suspension - the same set up as the new BA Falcon - and delivers very competent, predictable and stable front drive handling. When pushed hard, it will understeer slightly, but ease off on the throttle and the tyres are quick to regain grip.

There is very slight body roll, but nothing to be concerned about, and the ride remains firm but compliant enough to be comfy. Although it lacks a bit of feel, the steering is reasonably sharp, while the whole car feels particularly solid on the road.

With the Focus replacing the Laser, Ford may not have a cheap small hatch any more, but it certainly has a car that will give it credibility where it counts. For even if driving appeal is not high on your priorities, the rest of the package and the standout styling make this a car well worth considering among the growing number of Euro hatches.

To comment on this article click here