1999 Ford Focus 1.6

Summary:

Quite good, I would recommend it to anyone, but don't expect speed-thrills from it

Faults:

Actually nothing so far.

General Comments:

I bought a second-hand Focus as an import from Italy; it was 7 years old at the time of purchase.

Changed the belts in the engine as a precaution, oil and oil filter is changed regularly.

The car is surprisingly roomy, I didn't expect it to have so much space in the interior. It is no head-turner, but the design is still OK, and it is nice to look at. Interior is interestingly and strangely designed, but very ergonomic and intuitive. It is a 5-door model, and the boot is only moderate, but enough for a family of four with small children.

However, it could have better performance in the terms of acceleration and top speed (but it is only 1.6 petrol - 100 HP, so it is OK, but my previous Alfa 33 with 107 HP was considerably faster - probably because it was lighter and had differently calculated gearbox ratios). However, the comfort and the dynamics of the car's perfect suspension is superb too many cars I have driven, including Alfa 33, Honda Accord, Golf GTI... You can play with Focus and road curves in such a manner that you don't need an electronic stability program at all, it is very benign, but still fast in sharp curves.

The brakes are very good and reliable.

Would be happy if it had better acceleration and more torque, my old Alfa was faster in climbing steep hills and overtaking. I miss that. But my family likes the Focus much more - it is easier for my wife to drive it, and even my 3-year old son thinks it's better than the Alfa Romeo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2007