Ford Focus

The range of the 2008 Ford Focus is available with the same type of body that the previous model (three, four, five-door, cabriolet and family) and nine different engines from 80 hp to 225 hp (the latter version is called ' ST "and tried separately in this article).

In 2009 there will be an "RS" (more) to be the most powerful engine in the range above the 225-hp ST. The previous Focus RS version was not, there was a version of the first Focus RS 200, released in 1999 (proof of this car).

Ford calls the three-door version of "Coupe", the five 'limousine', the four 'Sedan', the familiar "Sportbreak" and "Coupé-Cabriolet" to cabriolet.

The version with 136 hp diesel engine and can carry a gearbox double clutch (so-called Powershift, which is similar to 'DSG' used Volkswagen). This version of the Focus is priced higher than € 1500 a variant with six-speed manual transmission. Worth paying for this box because it automatically gives great ease of use it provides and because it has an operation that in most circumstances, you forget the manual boxes.

Ford Focus. Model Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift 2008.El has two drawbacks. First, it gives slightly slower performance than the equivalent manual transmission and consumption is somewhat higher (although the difference is not final). Second is lacking that, without intervention by the driver, had more power to give detention under certain circumstances.

With the changes that Ford has done in this new model, the Focus remains a very pleasant car to drive for their agility, good touch driving and the potential for enhancement. It is not above average for the coating material or its setting (although there is an improvement in this aspect with respect to the model was launched in late 2004).

Where there is an improvement over the previous model is the amount of noise coming from inside the engine. This is especially in version 2.0 TDCi and to a lesser extent in the 1.6 TDCi 109 PS (More information).

Of the petrol engines, the most interesting may be the 1.6 Ti-VCT 114 hp, which is functioning well. Of Diesel, the 2.0 TDCi 136 hp is more than 1.6 TDCI 109 CV if we take into account both the supply and consumption (not the price), and that is to bring the gearbox 'Powershift . Interestingly, the 1.6 liter diesel has given us such a good impression on the Focus and other cars you may have (particularly in the Mazda3). For now, we have not tried the new Focus with a 1.8 TDCi diesel engine of 116 hp.

In general, all versions of the Focus stand out for its breadth, except for the ceiling height in the rear seats is limited to adult size than 1.80 meters (Hyundai i30 or a Volkswagen Golf is better in this dimension ).

Family Focus with a body (Sportbreak) has more headroom to the roof in the rear seats, plus a very convenient and comfortable boot loading, but with a defect: no bindings set to place a network behind the front seats and rings for securing the load to the ground are not easily accessible.

Price and details of equipment

The Ford Focus is available from € 12,635. Respect to the bodywork of three doors, the five most cost € 325 and 975 four, the family has the same version that the price of four. Based on the Coupé version 1.6 TDCi 109 hp, the Focus has a price similar to that of direct alternatives, with some exceptions (Fiat Bravo is a little less expensive).

There are some optional packages that allow you to modify the appearance of the body through skirts, exhaust vents or different terminals. There are also different tires (17 or 18 ") and covers for the chrome mirrors.

A very interesting aspect of the Focus is that almost all versions (except the cheapest 'Business') may have much equipment and the client can configure to your liking. A breakdown of equipment that we did not like is that some versions do not have rheostat (which serves to regulate the intensity of illumination of the dashboard).

The headlights are standard halogen bulb and, optionally, can be double-xenon. The lighting set is sufficient, because the beam is usually long and wide. What is wrong is right in front of the car is a dark area, which can be annoying on the road very narrow hairpin bends.

The biggest difference between the lighting and the number of dual xenon occurs in the beam. Therefore, it is worth paying for the headlights optional whether to move inland preferably not illuminated outside town.

With any of the optional headlights, the taillights are LEDs, instead of lamps. To distribute the light from these pilots Ford has used fiber optics. There is also a device that activates the emergency lights in case of a very intense braking (deceleration of 6 m / s ²).

Some versions of the Focus can bring a system boot button placed next to the gear. Also available is a keyless entry system.

There are two navigation systems available. One has touch screen 7 "from which also handled the audio and air conditioning systems (image). The other has a smaller screen (5") with a slot for SD memory cards (the number of cameras small photo) from which you can load maps (image). More on impressions inside.

In addition, a module is available for connectivity to external audio sources (connections with "USB", "mini jack" and "ipod").

Versions "ECOnetic"

Ford Focus debuts in the line 'ECOnetic' (equivalent to 'Bluemotion' of Volkswagen). They are characterized by certain changes to the versions of those derived for a reduced consumption and therefore lower pollutant emissions.

For Focus' ECOnetic, Ford has chosen for now, the 1.6 TDCi engine of 109 hp with particle filter mounted in the bodywork of five doors. Consumption of the Focus ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi is 4.3 l/100 km (4.5 instead of the normal version; neither pay tax). Respect to the normal version with the same engine, the 'ECOnetic' improves speed and consumption. Its price is not advantageous, with respect to the normal version equivalent (equipment "Trend"), the 'ECOnetic' costs € 410 more (comparative tab) with the same equipment. The 'ECOnectic' consumption does have advantages.

For the 'ECOnetic' spending less, Ford has made some modifications. These include the use of a low viscosity lubricating oil and a new program for the electro-pump direction.

There are also aerodynamic improvements (hence better performance) left in the aerodynamic coefficient 0.31 (instead of 0.32): The front suspension has been lowered 10 mm and 8 mm behind the front bumper and grill are different.

Versions' Flexifuel '

Have the characteristic that they can use E85 fuel (a mixture of ethanol and gasoline at 85 and 15% respectively) or only gasoline. Currently in Spain uses this fuel to the public at six stations.

The advantage of ethanol of agricultural origin with respect to gasoline and diesel is the first that does not add CO2 to the atmosphere because the CO2 comes originally from the atmosphere. In the case of gasoline, diesel or other fossil fuel is sent into the atmosphere as CO2 an amount of carbon that was previously underground. This increase of CO2 in the atmosphere which may increase the greenhouse effect

These versions are available with a 1.8 liter engine 125 HP (exclusive to this version), with a body of three and four doors and family. These versions do not consume less than equivalent gasoline vehicles, the amount approved is 7.0 l/100 km. Focus with the gasoline engine consumes 1.6 liters and 114 hp 6.6 l/100km, with slightly lower performance.