Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

After my previous cars:

Ford Mondeo ST24

VW Golf VR6.

I thought this might be a bit tame and boring only being a 1.8 but was I surprised. I might not be the quickest car around, but the handling is so amazing, coupled with traction control, you feel that you can throw it into any corner quicker than the car behind you.

As it is the special edition of the Zetec it comes with a cracking Ford fitted full bodykit and alloys which really do make it stand out from all other Focuses that are around.

Only insurance group 7 is also a major bonus!

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong as yet.

A couple of the switches were a bit tight, but after use they appear to be fine.

General Comments:

Modern shape handles well and very nippy.

My previous car was a Mondeo ST-200 which was a quick car, but this Focus has surprised me, add an open air filter and Superchip and the 0-60 times are in the sevens (tested with accelerometer). Hey that's better than my ST-200!!.

On top of this the handling is spot on, no more under-steer or over-steer the ESP (Electronic Stability Control) just corrects it.

Well I have been very impressed with the build quality too... no squeaks or rattles anywhere.

And all this for group 8 insurance, 25mpg.

One thing.. you do blend into the crowd on the road it does not fell like you have anything special, hey I can live with that.

Faults:

As with many Focuses (or is it Foci) there has been a problem with stalling at slow speed, this has been looked at by the dealer, but as the problem is expensive to fix they have just tweaked the engine a tad. It now stalls approximately once a month as apposed to the once or twice a week before the 'fix'.

Front right heater vent does not work, dealer unable to fix!

General Comments:

Although under powered at 1.4 it is adequate the new 1.6 is much better.

This car has the best road holding in any car of its class, an absolute joy to drive, fun, exciting, comfortable.

Also a bit of a head turner in the 3 door which is by far the best looking model, alloys are nice, interior looks great.

Boot space is adequate, seating also OK, regularly carry 4 adults for long distances with no complaints.

Faults:

I have had the car for nearly a year and so far I have had no problems.

General Comments:

This is excellent value for money. It's sporty, comfortable, a superb drive and very economical to run.

I also have access to a BMW 328 and I actually prefer the drive of the Focus. Everything feels right.

The 1.8 L engine is top class. Provides power when needed, but not over the top.

This is a drivers car.

Faults:

Found that the rear passenger window, when lowered, gave out a loud crying sound. When investigated, I found that the window was very loose and could be moved, by hand, up and down, with a movement of about half inch.

Have major problems in starting the car. Seems to try to start, but fails to crank over. Have to turn off ignition and restart. Have asked the dealer to replace starter motor, but not done.

Boot sometimes fails to latch completely. Dealership replaced boot latch.

General Comments:

Very impressed with the performance of the car and the ESP is fantastic.

Sometimes, I forget to look down and realize what speed I am going at as its picks up pace very quickly.

I even try to change into 6th gear.