2004 Ford Focus Edge review from UK and Ireland

Air bag sensor failed at 80,000 miles costing £200 to replace at Ford dealership.

Metal on metal sound coming from front right suspension since 60,000, not resolved yet.

Loud clatter upon start up and turning engine off.

Very stiff gearbox in cold weather.

Remote central locking has never worked properly.

The Focus is a bit of an enigma for me. I have wanted one for many years as I have heard rave reviews about their handling. Now that I have one, I believe I have bought the wrong model!

The Edge has reasonable equipment, but still no trip computer, which the Ghia model does. Front heated screen would have been nice, but I opted against it so that's my problem. Good plastics inside compared to LX versions of the Focus.

Chassis wise its fantastic with heaps of grip, and being a front wheel drive car, just a tad of understeer when pushed. Limited body roll makes it a hoot to drive, and the seating position, although rather high, is nigh on perfect with good leg room and head room.

However, engine wise it's awful. The Edge diesel engine has supposedly 115bhp, but I think whoever designed the gear ratios weren't thinking clearly at all. Seemingly only 3rd gear has any pull and in any gear, there is a magical barrier of 3,000rpm where all power quite literally disappears! Loud on start up and when turning off as well.

Economy was a massive disappointment as well. Having never owned a diesel before, I was looking forward to saving some serious dosh on fuel costs. However, lack of 6th gear and my high motorway mileage has actually made it just as bad as my petrol used to be! Great for around town, but rubbish economy on the motorway, even when only doing 70-75mph.

Looks wise, brilliant subtle alloys matched with a nice rear spoiler makes the Edge look really good, and with a better engine and a 6th gear I'm sure it would make a brilliant car. Considering a Mk2 2.0 Focus, now but hate the looks of the Mk2!