New Ford Focus: economic diesel option
Review: Ralph Morton
Date Posted: 13/12/2007
Road Tests RSS FeedFord Focus 2.0 TDCi 135 Titanium 5dr
What is it?
The new Ford Focus gets Mondeo styling. The effect is to give the new Ford Focus a tauter, more muscular appearance. Safety has also been upped with standard anti-skid ESP on all Ford Focus models. And there's now an audio connection for iPods. There are four diesel engine choices: 1.6 (90PS), 1.6 (110PS), 1.8 (115PS) and this 2.0-litre (135PS) model. The new Ford Focus is available in Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim levels.
What's hot?
- Easyfuel capless filling system prevents misfuelling
- Mondeo styling gives the Focus greater visual appeal
- Interior finished to a much higher standard
- Engine torque allows effortless progress on open roads
- Suspension rides calmly over dips and crests
- Standard anti-skid ESP and heated front screen
What's not?
- Engine vocal under acceleration
- Feels heavy, less spritely than the 2.0-litre petrol Focus
- Six-speed box notchy to use
- Tall gearing can leave you stranded in the wrong gear
- Smaller road ruts highlight firm ride
What you need to Know
| P11D Value: | £18,130 |
| Monthly Rental*: | £338 |
| Tax Band when posted: | 19% |
| Monthly BiK: | 57.50 (20%)/£115 (40%) |
| Engine: | 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo diesel |
| CO2 Emissions: | 144g/km |
| Power/torque: | 135PS/236lb ft |
| Economy: | 51.3mpg |
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
The new styling provides the Ford Focus with the more forthright looks the Mk2 has always needed. But the 2.0-litre TDCi isn't the best Focus to drive. Business users would do much better to choose the new Focus 1.6 TDCi model - which has a much lower company car tax liability.
TAGS: Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 135 Titanium 5dr, Focus Diesel, Ralph Morton
