Ford's Focus 1.5T really flies under radar

By: Denis Droppa

In the mythical world of comic book superheroes, Batman can’t fly or shoot lasers from his eyes, and his crime-fighting gadgets don’t quite stand up to Thor’s hammer or Green Lantern’s ring. He’s basically a regular guy with a mean punch, a cool suit and a husky voice.

Anthropomorphically speaking, the Ford Focus 1.5T is the Batman of cars. It doesn’t have any superpowers like its big brothers the Focus RS and Focus ST, but it does pack a lot of punch for the price.

With its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine it’s a livelier-than-average car in the compact family sedan segment, with a sporty streak that elevates it above the ranks of prosaic commuting. Scroll to the comparison chart at the end of this road test and the numbers show this Ford not only outpowers most of its rivals (quite comprehensively in some cases) but also costs less, making it an attractive-looking buy in its segment.

The 1.5T Trend was introduced early last year as part of a range-wide facelift and technical revamp to the Focus in South Africa, available in both Focus body styles: sedan (the subject of this test) and hatch. It’s the middle model in the line up, slotting between the entry-level 1.0T version and the more powerful 2.0 ST.

Spirited nature

The new 132kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine replaced the old normally-aspirated 92kW/159Nm 1.6 and the heart transplant has done wonders for the car’s performance.

Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox (it’s also available as an auto), the car has a smooth and spirited nature and eases into its stride without requiring any hard revving. Turbo lag’s not a major issue even in Gauteng’s power-pilfering thin air and the car cruises effortlessly on the open road, with hills making little impact on its progress.

The official figures quoted by Ford are 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds and a 222km/h top speed, which is fast enough to get anyone in trouble with the law. This Focus is an agreeably energetic performer that seems almost undersold by its pedestrian 1.5T badge; perhaps ST Lite would’ve been more appropriate.

Fuel consumption also turned out to be a pleasant eye opener and our test car averaged just 6.3 litres per 100km, not too much higher than the 5.6 litres factory claim.

So what’s the catch then?

Great engine then, but perhaps the suspiciously low price implies deficiencies in other departments? We’re glad to say this isn’t the case, and there’s no ‘fine print’ to catch out the unwary buyer.

The Focus 1.5T lacks some fancier fare and has cloth instead of leather seats, and a basic aircon system in place of climate control. However, it’s certainly not under-endowed and has as just about as many gadgets as Batman himself, including a decent Ford Sync audio system with Bluetooth and voice control, multifunction steering wheel, and cruise control among others.

Safety is also full house with six airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control. If you opt for the Driver Assistance Package costing R11 940 you also get additional safety features like automatic headlamps, active park assist (where the car steers itself into parallel-parking bays), and active city stop (which automatically applies brakes to prevent low-speed crashes). Well worth it.

Monotone cabin

The dark-surfaced cabin is faithful to company founder Henry Ford’s famous quip that you can have any colour as long as it’s black. The monotone interior is nevertheless smart and uses decent-quality plastics. There are many buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel without being overly cluttered; it’s all well labelled and easy to use.

The Focus sedan hits the mark as a practical family car with its comfortable seating for four adults and large 421-litre boot, which is expandable by flipping down the rear seats. The spare wheel is a space-saver.

Together with its frisky performance the front-wheel drive Focus zips through corners with neat and neutral handling, and steering that feels light without being overly sensitive. It’s a notably smooth-riding car with suspension that insulates occupants from the vagaries of ill-maintained roads.

It’s a solid package too, quiet and well insulated, with good overall refinement.

VERDICT

The Ford Focus 1.5T sedan is a car that flies quietly under the radar; too quietly methinks. Lively power, great fuel consumption and reasonable spec levels come with a winning pricetag. It’s the underrated superhero in its market segment.

FACTS

Ford Focus 1.5T sedan

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol

Gearbox: 6-speed manual

Power: 132kW @ 6000rpm

Torque: 240Nm @ 1600 - 5000rpm

0-100km/h (claimed): 8.7 seconds

Top speed (claimed): 222km/h

Price: R299 900

Warranty: 4-year / 120 000km

Service plan: 4-year / 80 000km

ALTERNATIVES