Ford Focus TDCi Car Review

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Ford Focus TDCI 5 DR 6 speed manual Turbo Diesel $27,990* Other models priced from: Focus CL 5 Door hatch manual $19,990*

Viewing image 1 of 5

Review

The Ford Focus is available in several body styles, with various feature levels and engine size including a 5 door hatch, sedan and the Cabriolet, which was launched last year. The model reviewed is the TDCi, 6 speed diesel manual. This is Ford's first diesel passenger car offered in Australia and is a sign of things to come from the brand. Whilst the TDCi model has a good list of standard features, the top of the range hatch is the Focus Ghia.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

The driver seat can be manually adjusted forward/back and up/down. The steering wheel can also be adjusted to give you a comfortable driving position and a good view of your instruments. Cruise control is standard, which is a great feature to have when you travel long distances regularly. The audio controls are located in the centre dash as well as on the steering column. Whilst it is great to have them conveniently located near your hands on the steering wheel, other vehicles audio controls are located on the steering wheel which is even more convenient.

Visibility is brilliant in all directions particularly out of the rear left, which can be limited in other models. You can also get reverse parking sensors as an accessory for added safety when reversing.

Safety

The TDCi has driver and front passenger airbags as standard as well as ABS. A Safety Pack is available as an option which has a number of great features including Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist and side curtain airbags.

Seating

The TDCi has stylish cloth trim and seats 5 adults. It offers slightly more space in the rear than other cars in this class. Both the front and rear offer a middle arm rest for added comfort. The rear seat is a 60/40 split which allows you to put extra items in the boot while still having up to 2 rear passengers. The rear seat also folds completely for when you need a larger boot space.

Comfort

The TDCi has air conditioning as standard, as well as power windows and power door mirrors. It's also got remote keyless entry which makes it easier to unlock and lock and stops your clump of keys from scratching around the key cylinder on the driver's door. A single slot CD player is also standard, or you can opt for the 6 disc in dash CD player for a bit more money.

Storage

It's got a good amount of storage including 2 centre console cup holders, centre console box, good sized glove box, front door pockets and a couple of storage nooks in the rear seat area. It's got a good amount of boot space for this sized car which also has a light for when you're digging around at night.

Kids' Comfort and Safety

The Focus is a good size for a small family that doesn't need to carry around a huge amount of luggage regularly. The kids in the back have pockets on the rear of the driver and passenger seats to put in their games and books. There's also a centre armrest that you can "arm" to stop the "don't touch me" cry that can come from the backseat! There are 3 child restraint anchorage points on the rear of the back seats and child locks on the rear doors.

Green Factor

The Focus TDCi has great fuel efficiency of 5.6 litres per 100kms (combined city/highway cycle) which is better than the petrol Focus models. It scores 3.5 stars out of 5 on the Green Vehicle Guide rating system.

Overall View

The Ford Focus TDCi is a stylish looking car that is easy to drive and offers a good level of standard features. Whilst power off the mark is OK, power when you're up and running is great, especially in 3rd and 5th gear. If you're looking for a 5 door car in this price range it's worth a test drive with some of its best features being the great visibility and rear passenger space.

Test Drive Tips

The indicators are located on the left hand side of the steering wheel and the wipers are on the right hand side (this is the opposite of most Australian, Korean and Japanese made cars).

To select reverse you need to lift the "silver circle" on the gear stick and push the stick over to the left and forwards.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	Driver and front passenger SRS airbags, side front airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	No
ESP:	Option
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	2
CD player:	Single
Air conditioning:	Yes
Power windows:	Yes
Power steering:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed manual
Engine:	2.0L Turbo Diesel
Fuel type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	5.6 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	148g/km
Greenhouse rating#:	7.5/10
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000km
Price:	$27,990*

*Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. For more information, click here.

Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Ford dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: February 2008