Ford Focus Hatchback (2005-2019)

On the inside, the Focus mirrors its sporty appeal of the exterior, with the overall cabin being a bit of driver-centric. The car looks large from the inside, however, the dashboard, even after being loaded with features, now has begun showing its age, especially the center console, but more on that later.

The three-spoke steering wheel with steering mounted buttons for audio and telephony as well as cruise control feel chunky and good to hold. The instrument console looks a bit pale in comparison to the rest of the car’s design, with individual pod for everything with simple looking fonts for all. However, the colored MID screen does add some glitter to the otherwise boring looking console.

The center console looks large, however, its overall layout feels slightly dated now. The high mounted 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system has supports for USB, Aux-in, SD card and Bluetooth, with Ford’s SYNC 2 system for seamless phone connectivity and voice commands with 9 speakers on board as well. However, the lack of Android Auto and Apple Carplay in today’s day and age is a bummer here. Given the sporty appeal of the Focus, the car has spot-on ergonomics as well, however, the rear seat space is quite limited, given the sloping roofline.

In terms of other small but important features list, the Ford Focus is blessed with auto headlamps with follow-me-home function, rain sensing wipers, power adjustable and foldable rear view mirrors, front and rear park assist, cruise control, push-button start with keyless entry, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, sunglass holder, paddle shifters and Ford’s MyKey system.

Like every Ford, the Focus has been styled to look the part, with the word “sporty” written all over it. The car looks athletic from every angle, and at the same time, has that flavor of sophistication which a premium hatchback of this category should possess.

At the front, the Focus has been given the “common-in-family” hexagonal grille, which here has been styled in a more angular form with a honeycomb pattern and chrome surround. The headlamps, as well as front fog lamps, have been given the same trapezoidal form, with the headlamp assembly coming with LED daytime running lights. However, given the premium positioning of the Focus, we would have liked to see projector bulbs for the main headlamps as well.

The Focus might look a bit functional from the front, but it is the side profile which makes it a stunner. The car comes with sporty looking 18-inch alloy wheels which are the biggest a hatchback of this segment can get. The beltline chrome below the windows makes it look premium, while the coupe-like sloping down roofline gives it an aerodynamic appeal.

At the rear, Ford has gone all the guns blazing by making the Focus look scorcher, with the large roof-mounted spoiler being the show-stopper here. The sharply raked rear windscreen, as well as sweptback tail lamps, make the Focus look purposeful. However, the large bumper with a high mounted entrance for loading bay curbs its boot space, but then, it surely gives some beafy appeal to the rear profile of the Focus.

Globally, the Ford Focus has been revered as one of the greatest driver’s cars since its inception, and this third generation model is not different from the family lineage. The car sits low on 18-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, with the front Macpherson Strut and rear Independent Control Blade Multi-link System with stabilizer being set on a stiffer side, this gives the Focus an incredible handling trait which is difficult to match. However, this very sporty setup of suspension does take a slight toll on its overall ride quality as well, and that’s pretty understandable.

The Ford Focus for the Philippines market is being offered with a single option – the 1.5-litre turbocharged Ecoboost engine. This four-cylinder mill pumps out a maximum power output of a staggering 180 bhp and a peak torque output of 240 Nm. These figures surely make the Focus a hoot to drive and complement with the sporty design and overall driving setup of the car.

The 1.5-litre engine is here mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which does get paddle shifters here for the seamless gearshifts you can get.

Ford has always been known for not compromising on the aspect of safety for all of its cars, which is why the Focus comes with all the bells and whistles in the safety checklist. You do get dual front and side airbags, ABS with EBD, active park assist, electronic stability program, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, hill launch assist and traction control, so as to make sure that the hatch keeps its focus on sporty but safe driving.

With the Focus, Ford has shown the world that your everyday car for commuting can be sporty and aggressive and that too, without compromising on practicality. The sporty exterior design surely is appealing, however, we do feel that Ford can spruce up the interiors of this car slightly more to match its extrovert exteriors.

The 1.5-litre Ecoboost is thankfully both smooth and wild at the same time, and can bring that adrenaline rush from you as and when needed. Complementing the powerful engine is the excellent driving dynamics – the steering feels precise, with the car being a dream to handle around corners. Keeping a couple of small negatives aside, the Ford Focus is the car for you if you do want to feel playful and add some zing to your everyday drive.