Will the third one be the first?
Test drive for Ford Focus 3

text by Pavel Veselovsky
photo by Anthony Burt

It's hard to be a leader. Especially in such a rapidly developing market like the Russian one. However, he succeeded. For 12 years, since the distant 1999, almost always kept the maximum sales bar. Was the benchmark in its class. They looked up to him, they stood in queues behind him. And now it's time to update. Absolutely new FORD FOCUS III goes out to sienna, thrilling the hearts of traditional aficionados and catching the spiky eyes of the competition. And believe me, the fight for the first place will be serious!

The new "FOCUS" hasa remarkable property - it is beautiful in any color

NS Delivery of the new generation will begin in September, but the test car came to us back in June. Juicy red, on elegant 16-inch wheels with many spokes, playing with stars of glare from the blinding June sun, new FOCUS was good. Even in the parking lot, it looked dynamic, like a cast of frozen red energy ready to be thrown. It seems to be called kinetic design. Another press release buzzword that actually comes with the hard work of aerodynamicists, artists, composers. Make it so that standing car already evoked a feeling of movement - this is a great art. And the new "FOCUS" has a remarkable property - it is beautiful in any color. In red he is expressive and optimistic, in silver he is solid and elegant, black makes him mysterious and a little dangerous. Honestly, I would be at a loss to give preference to one particular color. As they say, choose the taste, there are no unsuccessful combinations.

The airfoil lattice is now divided into parts by the lines of force of the vertical ribs

The two previous generations of FOCUS have sold over half a million across Russia - an impressive figure. The newcomer clearly claims to continue the tradition, even outwardly preserving hereditary traits (while observing corporate decency, echoing modern MONDEO and FIESTA). We see that the cut and outlines of the headlights remain similar, and the large air intake in front bumper... However, the optics have become subtly more elegant, and the airfoil grille is now divided into parts by the lines of force of the vertical ribs. These lines visually continue the embossed contours of the stampings on the bonnet and add a strong character to the car's appearance. The solid halyard radiator grille was replaced by a chrome-plated horizontal stripe, the fog light openings were rounded, there are more clear edges on the surface of the wings and doors. Following the irreversible trend towards the strongest aerodynamic rounding of the body, new model simultaneously demonstrates more rigid and crystallisobathroom sculptural forms. The rear optics of the hatchback breathe expression, with sharp angles attacking the fenders. And, of course, the crystal scattering of LEDs is right there. The new FOCUS has become brighter, slightly more defiant, visually larger and higher class. Compared to its predecessor, FORD FOCUS III added 21 mm in length (4358 mm), but at the same time became 16 mm lower (1484 mm) and decreased by the same amount in width (1823 mm). The wheelbase has grown by an additional 8 mm, which is unlikely to negatively affect the car's agility. In general, these dry numbers tell us that the dimensions of the car have changed slightly. Another piece of news concerns such a relatively rare FOCUS variant as the three-door hatchback. It won't be there anymore. Why? FORD marketers answer diplomatic: new

The oval ventilation deflectors, the rounded visor of the instrument scale, which had become boring to many, disappeared from the dashboard

the five-door hatchback turned out to be so successful that there was no need for a three-door hatchback. The firm, as it were, hints to us that there is more than enough enthusiasm and dynamics even in the five-door version - so why else fence the garden? Although our humble opinion is that in reality, the three-door FOCUS simply competes with a similar variant of the FOCUS. One way or another, most buyers really need a sedan, 5-door hatchback and station wagon. The interior of the former FOCUS was designed in a rather austere classic style. The poet could describe the salon of the current contender for leadership in the class C segment as follows: "Since childhood, I did not like an oval, I drew an angle since childhood." And indeed, the oval ventilation deflectors, the rounded visor of the instrument scale, and the simple proportions of the center console, which have become boring to many, have disappeared from the dashboard. Now their place was taken by the broken surfaces of the torpedo, moderate high-tech instrument wells and the space interface in the center, bringing us closer to the lunar transformers, which are so relevant in this

The interior of the new FOCUS has taken a step towards youth, it is less obvious and definitely more modern

year. In a sense, the interior of the new FOCUS has taken a step towards youth, it is not as obvious as before, and definitely more modern. The handle of the parking brake was bent by the now fashionable letter "G", and there was one more spoke on the steering wheel. Sitting in the updated FOCUS is still comfortable. The devices are perfectly readable, all controls are pleasantly accessible. Perhaps the audio system unit looks a little overloaded, you need to get used to the diversity of buttons; the climate control unit, on the other hand, is obvious and functional. The sound and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel are duplicated with a convex relief. Liked the irregular shape, but very comfortable ventilation vernier. Even the subscriber adheres to the chopped-up space style - commendable attention to detail. Information about the minor functions of the car is displayed on two color displays with Russian menus and beautiful animation. The screens themselves, although not possessing large size, remain readable in any light.

Service

The service period is 15,000 km. Cost with engine oil Ford - from 6590 to 7790 rubles, with Castrol engine oil - from 7090 to 8490 rubles.

V better side the quality of finishing materials has changed - they have become softer and more pleasant to the touch. The front seats received more pronounced lateral support. The comfort of the rear passengers is still at a good level, the increase in the base allowed to add a little space in the leg area. But the space behind the fifth door has become significantly less - the volume of the luggage compartment is 372 liters for the sedan and 277 liters for the hatchback. Full size spare wheel, laid down for all Russian versions, ate part of the trunk volume. In addition, now when folding rear seats a small step is formed. Perhaps these are the only tangible disadvantages we noticed in the new hatchback.

FOCUS would not be himself if he could not boast of good dynamic characteristics and deeply thought-out suspension. The current generation strictly adheres to this glorious tradition and can give the driver a lot.

FORD FOCUS III built on a new global platform that is the same for cars produced on all continents. The versatile C1 platform is a second generation platform upgrade with partially insulated rear and front subframes and redesigned Control Blade rear multi-link suspension components. In practice, this means that the rear suspension has a steering effect and allows you to confidently navigate even the most intricate turns with minimal steering adjustments. The ESP system is set to intervene only in an emergency.

FORD FOCUS III is equipped with Traction Cornering Control (TVC), which analyzes information from sensors

Even within the city, we were able to make sure of the effectiveness of Ford's "multi-link" - it was a sinful deed to break speed mode, let the car into long and uncomfortable turns without slowing down the gas (fortunately, the traffic is minimal on Sundays). At speeds ranging from 80 to 120, the new FOCUS recorded the trajectory as if on rails, without the slightest hint of the danger of skidding or unpleasant rolls. I also really liked the steering response - the electric amplifier is tuned very competently.

FORD FOCUS III is equipped with Traction Cornering Control (TVC), which analyzes information from sensors at a frequency of 100 times per second. Electronics supports optimal balance distribution of torque between the front wheels. This technology improves traction and allows the driver to use the accelerator pedal more freely without fear of slipping (only installed with ESP). The other side of the coin of this advanced system is the more correct behavior of the car on slippery surfaces.

We were not too lazy to drive on the relative off-road. In the backyard of some half-abandoned flour mill, they found a pretty mutilated area full of pebbles, broken asphalt and treacherous bumps. 1 they rode the car along these waves, almost without touching the brake pedal (but actively working at the steering wheel). When the clouds of dust cleared away, it turned out that the FORD FOCUS III's suspension is very capacious, and it is rather difficult to break through it. The car handles adequately on a bumpy road, the grip is exemplary. In addition, I was pleased with the excellent level of sound insulation - probably one of the best in its class. Actually, at idle, the engine is not audible at all, and up to 3,000 rpm it reminds of itself only with a weak hum. Of course, pebbles drum on the wheel arch liners noticeably, but for this price category it is quite acceptable. The overall assessment of sound insulation is a four with a big plus.

As the base power unit, the European FORD FOCUS III received a completely new 4-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine of the EcoBoost family, available in two versions - with a capacity of 150 and 182 hp. with. A 6-speed transmission is offered as transmissions. mechanical box and 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission with double clutch, which will replace the traditional machine. Alas, the new gasoline EcoBoost will not be available to Russian buyers. In our market, the FOCUS III is equipped with 1.6-liter petrol engines with a capacity of 105 and 124 liters, as well as a more powerful two-liter power unit power of 150 hp, borrowed from the American version of the FOCUS. There will also be available two diesel two-liter engines with a capacity of 140 and 150 liters. with. There will also be no six-speed mechanics, 1.6 engines will be limited to five gears. The fact that the former super-budget 1.4 liter engine is finally retired is encouraging. Also, do not forget about the future possibilities of the top-end EcoBoost SCTi ST with 2.0 l / 250 hp. for the FORD FOCUS ST model (for those temperamental people for whom a car is neither a luxury nor a means of transportation, but a way of life). Unfortunately, we were dealing with an unfinished engine, still quite "fresh". Its potential has not yet been fully revealed, we can only say that the 1.6 engine is well balanced - it pulls confidently at low revs, does not force frequent gear changes. A couple of times I missed the lever and turned on the fifth instead of the third gear - the car took such a mockery quite calmly. CV: 125 Horse power they drive the car confidently, but one should not expect sporting feats from them. For this it makes sense to pay extra for a 150-strong "kopeck piece".

FORD FOCUS III has become predictably safer than its predecessors. Due to the use of high-strength grades of steel, the rigidity of the body is increased by 25%.

Security

Overall rating - 5 stars (maximum score) Passenger protection - 92% out of 100 possible, child protection - 82%, pedestrian safety - 72%, passive safety - 71%.

Crash test results FORD FOCUS III according to EuroNCAP method

Improved collision-deformable elements, which had a positive effect on active safety

wa for torsion. Improved collision-deformable elements, which had a positive effect on active safety... In addition, the new model has acquired many electronic assistants, including a driver monitoring system ("sleep detector"), lane keeping, automatic high beam, road sign recognition, automatic parking, blind spot indicator, keeping distance and speed and fashionable
nowadays a collision avoidance system with a vehicle in front at low speeds. All these options are available only in rich trim levels and significantly raise the price of the car.

So, the most affordable FORD FOCUS is a 5-door hatchback in basic configuration with a 1.6-liter engine, 105 liters - it will cost 499 thousand rubles (Ambiente). In this case, the client will receive ABS, two front airbags, central locking, electric front windows and mirrors. The surcharge for automatic transmission will be 37 thousand rubles - relatively cheap, by the way.

Due to the use of high-strength grades of steel, the torsional rigidity of the body is increased by 25%

The maximum Titanium grade for the 1.6 engine starts at 685,500 rubles, it includes the ESP stability control system, front and side airbags, separate climate control, rain and light sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, a built-in anti-theft system and sports front seats. The number of additional options seems endless: bi-xenon and cornering headlights, LED lights interior, a radio with nine speakers and voice control, an automatic parking system raise the cost of a hatchback with a 1.6 engine and a manual transmission to 799,000 rubles.

The "fast" PowerShift transmission, which is not available only for the base engine (1.6 l, 105 HP), will add another 32,000 rubles to the cost. So, going to the official website and using the configurator, I created myself a virtual FOCUS III with a 2.0 engine, automatic transmission with two clutches and a maximum set of options (except for the smoker's package, I don't need it). The result was impressive - the car pulled

Ford Focus III 1.6

specifications

Engine
Number and arrangement of cylinders	4 row
Working volume, cm 3	1598
Engine location	front, transverse
Supply system	multipoint fuel injection
Number of valves per cylinder
Fuel type	gasoline (AI-95)
Rated power, hp with. at rpm
Rated torque, Nm at rpm
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h, s	10,9
Maximum speed, km / h
Transmission
Drive unit	front
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Performance characteristics
Capacity fuel tank, l
Fuel consumption in the urban cycle, l / 100 km
Extra-urban fuel consumption, l / 100 km
Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
Suspension and chassis
Front suspension	McPherson
Rear suspension	multi-link
Tires / rims front / rear	205/55 R16
Front brakes	ventilated disc
Rear brakes	disk
Main dimensions, capacities and weights
Length, mm	4 358
Width, mm	1858
Height, mm	1484
Own weight, kg	1316
Full weight, kg	1825
Clearance (height ground clearance), mm	n / a
Trunk capacity, l	277/1062
Turning circle, m
The cost of the car at the time of the test, rub.	762 000

for 913 thousand rubles. Which once again confirms - the list of options for FORD FOCUS, apparently, is the most impressive in its class! Behind all this dizziness of electronic wonders and striking design, we must not forget that the new FORD FOCUS has practically not added in price. Buying a technically more advanced car, in comparison with similar configurations of the second generation, you do not pay more. This is a big plus for the FOCUS III in its tough struggle against vigilant rivals from the camp of Renault, Hyundai and Chevrolet. Whether the third FOCUS will be the first in this competition is an open question. Returning the car to the dealer, we let our FOCUS park on its own. As expected, we quietly drove past an empty pocket, obediently shifted gears and pressed the pedals, obeying the orders of the computer. The steering wheel rotated without our participation. There is something magical about this, at least for people born in the 20th century. It seems to be high technology, but it seems that the focus ...

In one of the sources describing the Trojan horse, it is said that 50 selected Spartan warriors were hiding in it. Having bought the same number of third-generation Ford Focus station wagons, one of the taxi companies could share the fate of fallen Troy.

At one time, this company, which has its own fleet and service, actively used the second generation "Focus", which has proven itself as a taxi. The number of machines reached one and a half thousand, and some of them are still in service. When the fleet was renewed in favor of Focus 3, the good reputation of its predecessor was played - it was planned to order 700 cars. But the matter did not go beyond the test purchase of fifty copies.

There are 42 cars left in the company's Moscow vehicle fleet - the remaining eight were sent to St. Petersburg. All cars are equipped with a 1.6 liter engine (105 hp) and a manual transmission (a traditional option for taxi fleets). Usually, cars are operated for three years without any mileage restrictions. New "tricks" are less than three years old, and so far the most nimble of them has managed to dash off 160,000 km.

Cars are serviced according to the manufacturer's regulations. During the warranty period - only in dealer services. Then, if it is not possible to agree on favorable terms, - in its technical center. The third "Focus" also lives in the ZR park (2011, No. 4, 10, 11; 2012, No. 6; 2013, No. 11). He had already managed to collect a sufficient number of sores, but not all of them showed up in taxi cars.

ON AN EQUAL PLACE

The biggest problem is the bodywork, from the layout of the cabin to the location of the various components under the hood.

Most customers complain about the cramped cabin, and when ordering a taxi, they ask to send any other car.

The cost of restoring the front of the car after an accident has increased significantly compared to its predecessor: more elements suffer, in addition, parts have become more expensive. In many cases, insurance companies write off cars due to the inappropriateness of repairs. The trunk lid has also become more expensive - because of the large plastic trim on it.

There have been no problems with the quality of painting yet. Potentially vulnerable thresholds are covered with plastic overlays.

The engine control unit is located very poorly - behind the front left fender, practically on the inside of the fender liner (like on the "Mondeo"). It costs about 35,000 rubles and suffers even in minor accidents. And you need to wash your car carefully. In the taxi company, "bath procedures" are carried out twice a day - and the water somehow gets inside. As a result, corrosion affects the connectors not only on the unit itself, but also on the wiring harness, which costs the same money. Adding fuel to the fire and deformation of the fender liner due to temperature changes: for this reason, water and reagents penetrate inside even more actively.

A sandwich of engine radiators and air conditioning is located very close to the front of the car. Light road accident - and units for replacement.

The ground clearance is noticeably less than that of the second "Focus". At the congress reverse from the curb, even a slight bumper hit is enough for the radiators to crack. At the same time, the air conditioner tube laid under them is also damaged. These three unfortunate nodes have already been changed on 35 machines!

Insufficient ground clearance (120 mm) is a headache for drivers who have to follow customers to their summer cottages.

APPLE FROM APPLE

The motor remains the same reliable as the previous "Focus". The only drawback is the short life of the attachment belt.

On two cars there were problems with gearboxes: both got jammed on the second (the same trouble happened to our editorial Focus). The dealer replaced the boxes under warranty, but did not want to disclose the details of the defect. They managed to change the clutch on five cars with a mileage of about 40,000 km. But here the reason is rather not very careful operation. Oddly enough, none of the cars leaked the right gearbox oil seal, although this is a fairly common occurrence.

The weak point in the suspension was the front wheel bearings and rear shock absorbers... Their resource is very low. Shock absorbers do not withstand a full load of the car: they were changed in 32 cars after 25,000 km. The resource of new spare parts is about the same. The front support bearings turned out to be twice as tenacious as that of the editorial "Focus": they are enough for 80,000 km. The front shock absorbers were changed only on two cars after 70,000 km.

The electric rail still works flawlessly. It turned out to be more reliable than the previous one, hydraulic, which was changed due to knocking on all cars before 160,000 km of run.

The driver's windows often make a fool: in automatic mode they work every other time. There were no other problems with the salon electrician.

Heated windshields are very delicate and constantly crack from temperature extremes.

On the third "Focus" much less often than on its predecessor, the bulbs in the headlights burn out. And the engineers also got rid of water getting into the trunk lid lock mechanism (on Focus 2 it often jammed).

SORRY, GOODBYE

The taxi company has been actively working with Ford since 2005. Much of it was built specifically for "tricks". The decision to refuse further cooperation was very difficult, but it had to be made: "Focus 3" turned out to be ill-suited to work in a taxi and constantly brings losses.

As a result, the taxi company preferred the new Octavia. Its advantages have already been appreciated at the local technical center and on public roads, in addition, it was possible to quickly establish cooperation with the manufacturer. But if "Focuses 2" were still in production, the company's car fleet would consist mainly of them.

OPINIONS

Mechanics: "Focus 3" remained as maintainable as its predecessor. Something has become easier (for example, replacing cabin filter), but something more difficult - in particular, changing the front wheel bearing. But in general, the architecture of the car has not fundamentally changed.

Collecting several dozen Ford Focus III and twice as many journalists on the Black Sea coast is not an easy task. Moreover, at the end of October. But the organizers coped with it; right in the parking lot of the airport in the city of Gelendzhik, the press was waiting for as many as five ranks of "third" Focuses of all stripes - with the engines already running.

Since the Focus hatchback has already been on our test, the eye immediately fell on the sedan. Moreover, the organized event, in general, is timed to coincide with the start of production of this type of body in Russia. Although, to be honest, I was hoping to see a station wagon, but the premiere of the "car", and, at the same time, the "charged" version of ST, in Russia will take place only next year.

Outwardly three-volume Focus III- neither give nor take - reduced Mondeo. "Matryoshka" design concept of models from the "premium" segment is slowly reaching mass brands. Although the designers managed to preserve the sportiness of the five-door version in the exterior of the more solid body: the lean stern with a small spoiler molded on the trunk lid makes the sedan more impetuous.

Having opened the trunk lid of the Focus sedan, I immediately understand that, having taken on a three-day trip instead of a travel suitcase, a business trip flat bag, I made right choice... As in the case of the hatchback, practicality has become a victim of stylish design: the opening of the cargo compartment is narrow, and the volume of the trunk under the onslaught of a full-size "spare wheel" has been reduced from 467 liters in the previous generation to 372 liters in the current one. The difference of almost 100 liters is clearly not in favor of summer residents!

This was confirmed by the top managers of Ford at an evening press conference organized in the concert hall of the Kempinski Hotel. The new style of the third generation of Ford Focus is intended to draw a younger audience to the bestseller, which, in most cases, does not care about pragmatic values. True, not a word was said about the fact that with such an approach the new Focus could scare away the target audience of the previous, practical-conservative generation.

The very next morning, looking at the characteristics plates on the windshields of the parked Focuses, I come across the coveted figure 2.0 in the "Engine" section. And the inscription “ manual gearbox"Finally stops my choice on a bright red hatchback.

This choice was not made by chance. First, no matter how paradoxical it may sound, I'm tired of the "automatic" best case, two. Charging your lazy right arm and left leg clearly won't hurt. Secondly, on a passenger car weighing 1310 kg, the combination of "mechanics" with a two-liter atmospheric gasoline engine with a capacity of 150 horsepower promised a lot of positive emotions, especially after the frankly "vegetable" 125-horsepower Ford Focus III with a 1.6 engine.

However, the first kilometers covered by the Focus III 2.0 GDI through the sun-drenched cozy streets of the resort Gelendzhik left a double impression. It seems that the Focus accelerates well, and it pulls like nothing, but the impression was that the signal from pressing the gas pedal wandered for a long time in the bowels of the engine compartment before finding throttle... Painfully smoothly, the car reacted to the fuel supply, and even with a second delay. Maybe on the highway two-liter motor will reveal its potential by breathing in clean mountain air?

Having got out of the town on the expanses of the serpentine Markotkh ridge, I could not deny myself the pleasure of experiencing the Ford Focus III to the fullest. Fortunately, there are still pleasant memories in my memory of the perfectly tuned chassis and steering of the "third" Focus, which was on our test in July this year.

We passed the first ten turns, as they say, in warm-up mode. Brought here from Moscow, the fiery red hatchback eagerly devoured the swirls of the mountain road, as if realizing that next time it would not get on a similar track soon, but most likely never.

The increase in speed on the behavior of Ford is not reflected: the Focus, stuck to the road, clearly follows the given trajectory, passing the bundles of mountain turns in one breath, without the slightest hint of bank. The settings of the electric amplifier can be considered one of the best in the class. The steering wheel filled with elastic gravity with a clear zero, allowed to control the angle of rotation of the wheels up to a degree when entering the next bend.

Only an outright provocation was able to knock the third generation of the bestseller off the set course: I really wanted to feel the limit of the chassis's capabilities. Under the "open" throttle, I enter another gentle bend, which turns into a 180-degree turn behind the rock. Without dumping the gas, I sharply turn the steering wheel to the right. Under the squeal of rubber and the chatter of ESP, which instantly dropped the engine speed, Focus, having time to strike the front left mudguard on the asphalt, screwed into the turn, only slightly leaving the lane. Bravo!

But the two-liter gasoline engine he never deserved our praise. Resisting every press of the gas pedal with all its four cylinders, the engine roared powerfully and beautifully, throwing the tachometer needle into the red zone, but refused to go to its 150 forces. Even a manual transmission and mountain air could not turn the Ford Focus III 2.0 GDI into a "lighter". All hopes remained on another Focus, also a two-liter, only running on heavy fuel. And he did not disappoint!

Dark gray Ford Focus III with diesel engine 2.0 TDCi of the Duratorq family with 140 horsepower, we had to literally beg from our colleagues. So they did not want to part with the car. And after driving another two hundred kilometers in the opposite direction, we understood why.

Losing 10 horsepower to its petrol opponent, the two-liter diesel was almost one and a half times superior in torque. And the ecological "stranglehold" on a solar engine is not so felt. Even docked with a PowerShift preselective transmission with a pair of dry clutches, the engine responded almost instantly to orders from the right foot. Although formally spurt up to 100 km / h Ford Focus III 2.0 TDCi loses to a car with a gasoline "two-liter", in the zone of average speeds and revs, the diesel Focus can only compete with Ford gasoline engines of the EcoBoost family.

Moreover, the diesel Focus pleased rather with the technological unity in which all components of the car worked: engine, gearbox, chassis and steering... Each of these elements made an equal contribution, closing in a single chain of driver's pleasure. Unfortunately, it was not without a weak link, which expectedly came from the financial department: the price of the diesel Focus quickly evaporated all the desire to prevail with such a talented car, even despite the number of newfangled electronic systems available for ordering.

For example, I hold an electronic “eye” with both hands that monitors the “dead” zones. The main thing is to have time to pay attention to the flashing small light in the door mirrors in time. I also like the wonderful animation and information content of the two displays of the auxiliary systems, which we have noted before.

Fans of electronic "bells and whistles" will definitely like the automatic parking system. True, we managed to drive to a conditional place between two other Focuses from the seventh time, when there would be more than enough parking space for a Ford Mondeo, and any driver with a good sense of size would park twice as fast.

The apogee of Ford's computer-based automotive technology will be the interactive Sync system, capable of recognizing driver's voice commands and acting as a Wi-Fi router to communicate with the World Wide Web. Although English voice control is already available as an option, Focus Russian assembly a full-fledged Sync system should appear later, but immediately in a Russified form.

But we will not have a system that monitors the road markings, as well as an automatic braking system when the distance is reduced. They say that there is no guarantee that these wonders of technological thought will work properly in our reality. Markings on our roads are not found everywhere and not always, and a laser distance meter can go blind if it does not see a clear reflective surface in the form of clean license plates driving in front of a car.

Well, the reorientation towards the "advanced" youth was successful. Stylish, fashionable and computerized Ford Focus III, having turned into a car-gadget, definitely keeps up with the times, responding to all the latest trends and introducing them to the masses. The main thing is that Ford does not completely forget that a car is needed not only for accessing the Internet.

The end of the second decade of the 21st century is not far off, the first "spy" photos of a Ford sedan have already appeared on the Web Focus generation next, experts are guessing with might and main about the time and place of the premiere of the updated model, but the good old Focus III, which was released back in 2011, is still relevant! With a restyled "face" of the 2014 model, of course. In 2014, the once popular car in Russia underwent not just a facelift, but a really serious modernization. Read all the details about the modernization affecting the Focus III sedan in our review!

Design

Given the fact that the last Mondeo and the restyled Fiesta debuted earlier, no one was surprised at the changes in the appearance of the new third Focus. The "highlight" of its exterior was the branded radiator grill, abundantly flavored with chrome and designed to emphasize the resemblance to the more upscale Mondeo. Many people compare this grille to the Aston Martin grill, but in fairness it must be said that such a similarity is clearly exaggerated.

The update has made the Focus headlamps look more predatory, thanks in part to the combination of angular fog optics in the front bumper, replacing the boring round fog lights. As for the rear lighting equipment, it retained its original shape and acquired at the same time a narrow white section, which replaced the large "petal" that flaunted on the "stern" of the previous model. These are all the significant changes to the Focus exterior. Looking at the updated third-generation four-door, it is difficult to imagine what else can be improved in it. But there will be improvements, judging by the spy photos of the next Focus that have already been leaked to the Network, so if someone has complaints about a quite nice car of the 2014 model, then there is reason to believe that the manufacturer took them into account.

Design

The suspension scheme remains the same: in front, as before, there are McPherson struts, and in the back - multi-link suspension which is the key to good handling of the Focus. But during the restyling, new shock absorbers and springs appeared, the steering gear underwent improvements, and the body rigidity increased (due to additional amplifiers) and the interior sound insulation improved. According to the manufacturer, as a result of the modernization, the Focus's ground clearance has grown to 16 cm, but this statement, unfortunately, is easily refuted by an ordinary tape measure. Under the levers rear suspension 14.5 cm, under the mudguard of the engine compartment - 12 cm, and the shields in front of the front wheels are separated from the ground by only 11.5 cm. It is easy to guess that each parking with the nose to the curb will be a test of durability for these shields ... It is clear that they are are necessary to improve the aerodynamics of the car, but thanks to them, the exit from the road to "nature" for the Focus III is ordered. In other words, summer residents can pass by, and if we are talking about a used sedan from overseas, then even more so, since the overseas Fords have declared clearance even less - 14 cm, no more.

Adaptation to Russian conditions

The Focus III is prepared for the Russian road realities exactly to the extent that a solid city car should be prepared for them. Depending on the configuration, the seats of the 1st row, the steering wheel, windshield and washer nozzles. For a surcharge, you can get a programmable prestarting fuel heater and separate climate control (in the "base" - air conditioning). By default, the sedan is available with a proprietary Ford Easy Fuel filling system without the use of a filler cap and the Ford Roadside Assistance program for a period of 1 year (or up to the 1st MOT).

Comfort

Inside the restyled car, it is noticeably more comfortable than in the salon of its predecessor. Instead of a rounded 4-spoke steering wheel with chubby contours, a 3-spoke wheel with a more strict and modern design now flaunts. It is regulated by both slope and reach. The climate control unit has acquired a fashionable pictogram depicting a man (similar pictograms are observed in Volvo and Hyundai), and the center console is now crowned with a proprietary Sync multimedia complex with extended functionality. The ergonomics of the cabin remained at the same level: the seats are still moderately harsh, above the head and at the legs it is still moderately spacious, without excess headroom. At one time, only a lazy one did not scold Focus for crampedness, and after the update this problem was not resolved.

In the salon of the sedan, you really will not "roam" much, but it is impossible to say that it is very, very cramped here, unless, of course, the height of the driver and passengers does not reach 2 m, and the weight does not exceed 100 kg. Another disadvantage is the manual gear shifting, placed on the keys, "prescribed" on the right end of the gearbox selector. There are no more complaints about ergonomics. According to the manufacturer's statement, at least 421 liters are placed in the trunk of a four-door. luggage - by the standards of the class, this is not too much, but at the same time, not so little. In any case, this is more than enough for everyday city driving. The tailgate opening is small, so the long load will have to be placed at a slight slope. An ordinary stowaway is stored underground in the cargo compartment, and a full-fledged full-size spare wheel is offered only for a surcharge.

To correctly assess the safety level of the Focus III sedan, one should be guided by the results of crash tests of the 2012 hatchback of the same name. The results of crash tests carried out by the authoritative European organization Euro NCAP are as follows: driver or adult passenger protection - 92%, child protection - 82%, pedestrian protection - 72%, electronic assistants - 71%. Overall result: 5 points out of 5 possible. High marks allowed the third Focus to win the title of one of the safest representatives of the small family car class. And this despite the fact that there are only 2 "airbags" in standard equipment. Side airbags, "curtains", a tire pressure sensor, a rear-view camera and other delights will have to be paid extra. The list of electronic assistants after restyling has expanded and now it can include a wide variety of safety devices:

The top version of the third Focus is equipped with a new Sync media system with an eight-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth, AUX / USB connectors for connecting gadgets and steering wheel control buttons. The new multimedia complex is compatible with both "Android" and "Apple", and almost always understands voice commands the first time. Using your voice, you can adjust the temperature in the cabin, show the navigator your destination (restaurant, cinema, etc.) and make hands-free calls. For graphics, sound and performance, the system deserves a solid "four", but if the "four" for the sound does not suit, then no one bothers to get premium acoustics for a surcharge.

Ford Focus 3 Specifications

The Russian engine range of the Focus III sedan consists exclusively of Euro-5 gasoline units. The younger Ti-VCT 1.6 liter engine. produces 105 hp. and 150 Nm of torque, while the average engine of the same volume already develops 125 hp. and 159 Nm. Both are combined with a five-speed "mechanics", or with a 6-speed robotic PowerShift transmission. As for the top-end one and a half liter EcoBoost unit, its power reaches 150 hp, and the peak torque is as much as 240 Nm. The EcoBoost engine is excellent for 92nd gasoline, works in tandem with only a six-speed "robot" and provides the best possible dynamics. With it, the car accelerates to 100 km / h in just 9.3 seconds. and has a top speed of 210 km / h. Passport average fuel consumption of Focus III is 6-6.7 liters. for 100 km, depending on the modification, but the real "appetite" may be higher.