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The Ford Focus is in Germany in the shadow of VW Golf. That was also the case with the third generation of the Compact model so. Anyone interested in used cars should still take a look, but not buy blindly.
The third generation of the Ford Focus started in Germany in spring 2011 and was offered worldwide. In this country, the compact had to place itself behind VW Golf, Opel Astra and most recently also behind Skoda Octavia in the registration ranking, internationally the Focus was very successful. Between 2012 and 2014, more than a million focus models were sold worldwide each year. The fourth generation came on the market at the beginning of 2018.
Body and interior
The Ford Focus was offered here in the country as a hatchback and station wagon (tournament), while the notchback, which is also available, hardly plays a role. The five-door stretches over a length of 4,36 meters, the tournament over 4,56 meters. Visually, the Focus stands out in comparison to the top dog VW Golf with a significantly more progressive design. This also continues in the interior, but not always to the delight of the driver. The dashboard and steering wheel are still cluttered with switches and buttons; Buyers of a used Focus should take some time to get used to it if they come from a different brand. The space is neat. The tournament scores with a trunk volume of 476 to 1.516 liters. The luggage part of the hatchback has values between 316 and 1.148 liters.
At the end of 2014, the Focus received a facelift. It can be recognized by the large trapezoidal radiator grille, chrome surrounds on the window frames and the modified front and rear lights. The interior has been tidied up, the number of control knobs and buttons on the steering wheel and on the center console has been reduced and the remaining ones have been placed more easily accessible.
Motors and drive
With the three or four cylinder engines, almost everything is included: Turbo (EcoBoost) or aspirator, gasoline, diesel or liquid gas - interested parties can choose from a variety of different drive concepts. There was even an E version. The power spectrum ranges from 70 kW / 95 PS to 257 kW / 350 PS in the RS.
The basic gasoline engine is a 1,6-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that was offered in the 63 kW / 85 PS, 77 kW / 105 PS and 92 kW / 125 PS versions. The vacuum cleaner is aimed at drivers who take it easy. The 1,0-liter three-cylinder turbo, which is available with 74 kW / 100 PS, 92 kW / 125 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS and which is the volume unit in the Focus, provides more liveliness. With the smallest turbo with 100 HP, as with the 1.6 vacuum cleaner series, power is transmitted by means of a manual five-speed gearbox, with all other engines there are six forward gears (manual or automatic).
The top engine is the two-liter turbo with 184 kW / 250 PS in the ST. The 2,3-liter turbo has 350 hp in the RS. The latter is the only variant equipped with all-wheel drive. There is also a 1,6-liter turbo with an output of 110 kW / 150 PS or 134 kW / 182 PS; this engine will be replaced by a 1,5-liter unit for the facelift. Nothing changes in the performance data. The average consumption is between 4,9 and 7,5 liters, with the standardized consumption values of the ST and RS models in a sporty driving style being more like a non-binding declaration of intent.
With the diesels, too, the facelift saw the change from a 1,6-liter engine (70 kW / 95 PS, 77 kW / 105 PS and 85 kW / 115 PS) to one with 1,5 liters. The two-liter diesel engine, which is available with 140 PS, 120 kW / 163 PS or 150 PS, offers more power. As the ST, it has 136 kW / 185 PS. In the case of diesels, an average of between 3,8 and 4,6 liters flow through the lines.
Equipment and safety of the Focus
The equipment range of the Focus is confusing. In addition to the well-known "Ambiente", "Trend" and "Titanium" lines, first-time buyers could customize their vehicle by booking additional packages. The choice was among other things aluminum, leather, automatic air conditioning or a sunroof. Those interested in used cars therefore have little choice but to compare the comfort features of their dream vehicles. The used car market has everything from basic vehicles that are well equipped ex works to comfortable family carriages and sporty models such as the ST and RS.
The range of assistants was good when the third generation started. It was revised with the facelift, the city brake assistant now worked up to 50 km / h, the adaptive cruise control has been active up to 200 km / h since then, and the driver could now choose the desired distance to the vehicle in front himself. Bi-xenon headlights with a cornering light function were also available as an option. The 2011 NCAP crash test gave the Focus a five-star rating.
Quality
The Focus models do not always master the main inspections at TÜV without problems. Headlights and indicators are often complained about. When examining the chassis, too, the examiners often wrinkle their foreheads. Springs and dampers give reason for criticism, the steering, on the other hand, is quite inconspicuous. The braking system is also in the green. Loss of oil and problems with the emissions test are further weak points of the Focus.