Faults:
The ventilation system doesn't work properly and damp gets in.
The factory fitted alarm started going off in the middle of the night for no reason. You can't turn it off. As a lease car I contacted a number of dealers, all offered a very poor response on the verge of rude.
After long high speed journeys, when you come to a stop the engine sometimes sticks at high revs.
The CD player won't work on cold mornings.
General Comments:
On the plus side the car handles well, you can throw it at corners and it'll spring round without much difficulty.
A very exciting and responsive drive.
It's very good on the motorway, low 'cabin' noise and good performance.
The 3 door looks good with the large alloys and good lines, but it's a bit gutless.
I have been very disappointed with the 2 litre engine. It's just too slow from 0-60. I drove the audio A3 1.8 as a comparison which was much quicker.
Fords attention to detail also lets the car down. Cheap plastic add-ons and interiors, bog standard seats and a really annoying hole in the carpet so that the cars number can be seen.
Finally the attitude of the dealers. I've had this car for a year through work, as such I can use any Ford dealer. It's fair to say I've spoken to more than one dealership about a number of issues and each one has been unhelpful and rude. They really do sound annoyed when you ask for things to be done.
Luckily, I get to change back to VW next week but if I'd had bought one of these cars I would be very unhappy indeed.
10th May 2001, 02:34
I too have had Escorts from H-N plate then changed, unfortunately, to the Vauxhall (drinks oil) Astra. Now have a 2.0i Focus and blimey it shifts. Good car, comfortable and easy to move into tight spots. Love it. Recommend the boost valve for that final touch. Excellent car and would have another.