Ford Focus XR5 2006 Review

7-day Test

Is 2006 the year of the hot hatch? It's certainly shaping up that way, with new entries so far including Ford XR5 Turbo, Mazda 3 MPS, Holden Astra SRi and BMW 130i. Still to arrive is the Ralliart Mitsusbihi Colt, HSV VXR Astra and Golf R32… not to mention the Polo GTi in late 2006.

It's a hot market, certainly, and one likely to get hotter as petrol prices continue to soar and performance car enthusiasts continue looking for more fuel-efficient alternatives to six and eight-cylinder muscle machines that offer similar bang-for-your-backs.

One of the real contenders for the hot hatch crown is Ford's Focus-based XR5 Turbo, which arrived in Australia in April. The German-built five-door is solidly engineered, rattle free (at least in our Burnt Orange example) and comes with handsome sporty looks to match

One of the XR5's strengths is its turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. It puts out a decent 166kW/320Nm, above average for its class. And while willing to rev all the way to 7000rpm it's its performance early on in the rev range that really impresses, delivering the low-rev characteristics more akin to a locally-fettled V8 than a typical four, with rorty guttural soundtrack to match.

As a test of its flexibility, we slotted into third gear and managed to smoothly move away from standstill with no complaints from the lightly boosted engine. In-gear acceleration and freeway overtaking (even in sixth gear) was also a breeze for this willing powerplant, nicely matched to the slick-shifting ‘box. There was some torque steer on hard acceleration but getting power down through the front 18-inch Continental tyres was easily managed.

Other things to like about the XR5 was the communicative steering, flat and composed cornering, grippy, low-profile tyres, and overall solid, reassuring feel on the road. The brakes were confidence-inspiring, the ride firm but not overly harsh, and interior occupants well shielded from exterior noise.

The big Recaro front seats were beauties -- well padded, supportive and attractively trimmed in black leather with orange sections -- although the driver sits up higher than we'd like. Unlike its big brother Falcon GT, the XR5's cluster of gauges on top of the dash look integrated with the rest of the interior rather than afterthoughts.

As mentioned in the launch review, main gripes are the lack of an auto option (six-speed manual only) and no cruise control. There's also an annoyingly large turning circle. But otherwise Ford's hottest hatch is well-equipped for the money ($35,900), with all the usual kit expected including six airbags and an impressive Sony audio system. Options are limited to metallic paint ($1800 for vibrant orange) and $2000 leather pack.

Like most hot hatches, interior and luggage space was restricted with head and legroom limited in the back with the optional two Recaro seats fitted. The boot with its spacesaver tyre was reasonably roomy.

Premium unleaded fuel consumption was 10l/100km, achieved over 240km of fairly hard and mostly suburban driving.

We came away impressed with Ford's XR5 Turbo. A small car with a big car feel, it's also a performance car bargain in many respects. Whether on price, features or performance it should hold its own against the increasingly hot competition.