2004 Ford Focus Ghia 1.8TDCi

Summary:

Fantastic 1.8TdCi with the performance of a BMW 330Ci

Faults:

Currently, nothing.

General Comments:

The best thing about the car has to be the peformance of the engine. It is absolutely terrific particularly under 70mph. It feels like you are driving a BMW 330Ci Manual. Fantastic diesel engine, well done Ford.

I find the driving position nowhere near as comfortable or and roomy as, say a Mazda 323F. The interior plastics also lack the quality of this sister car. I'm sure I will get lots of people commenting on this claiming this not to be the case, but I feel the driving position, seats, cabin space and interior plastics let it down slightly. Also, dont expect any exclusivity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2004

29th Sep 2004, 07:35

The focus is a beautiful car, so what about the plastics, every car company cuts costs somewhere along the line, even BMW and Mercedes.

22nd Oct 2004, 03:21

From the original writer of the review:

I agree the Focus is a very good car- I'm not saying otherwise. However I find the interior plastics not as solid as expected given the hype of the car. Re: the engine comment, I agree the BMW 330i would thrash this car on the motorway (or above 60mph) but I think 0-50mph you will find little difference, particularly with the Focus' amazing punch in 1st and 2nd gears.

25th Oct 2004, 17:43

I have a 115PS TDCi and there is no way in any situation that it would be anywhere near as quick as a 330i.

27th Oct 2004, 03:51

Can I suggest that to prove that there are performance similarities that you drive both cars between 0-50mph, meaning you will be using only 1st and 2nd gears and then hopefully my point will be proved. Also, perhaps your TDCi 115bhp is faulty?

14th Dec 2004, 03:48

Even between 0-50 the 330i would still say bye bye to the TDCi, oh and the subject of my TDCi being faulty it has been rolling roaded at 131bhp standard and ill be more than happy to show the graph.

25th Jan 2005, 09:15

Go for the 1.6 if you want refinement, smoothness and no horrible diesel smell.

The 113bhp diesel however is incredibly quick, it really is, as well as being over 10mpg more economical.

2004 Ford Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi 115PS

Summary:

More of a drivers car than even the mk5 Golf

Faults:

So far so good - no faults.

General Comments:

I was holding out for the mk5 Golf, as I'd had a mk4 TDi PD 115 which I liked a lot, but which had suffered from lots of niggling faults.

Drove the mk5 and was very disappointed. Found it harsh and unrefined next to the mk4. Performed well, but the interior looked cheap and the steering still felt vague and overlight like the mk4.

Drove the Focus (top spec Ghia 115 TDCi with all the options is still three grand less than the GT TDi 140 mk5 Golf) and thought it took the Golf apart as a driver's car. Now the Golf has lost its gorgeous interior, it has also lost its main appeal. Focus steers better, rides better, goes almost as well (25 PS down, but nearly 300kg lighter) and is generally just nicer to drive.

Gripes - the interior plastics are low rent with the same brittle, shiny quality as a 1983 Sierra I once owned. Seems well put together though. Also the seats make your butt go numb after 100 miles or so. Not something I noticed on the test drive.

Good points - great performance with amazing in gear punch, 47 mpg average and so far 100% reliability. Still a great drivers car too with a slick gearbox, good positive steering and incredible agility.

Well worth a look.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2004