The Ford Focus Sport is ageing in this company, but it maintains a tick-list of positives that keep it competitive.
Not too long ago, 125kW at 6600rpm was an impressive figure from a naturally-aspirated, 1999cc four-pot engine. Less impressive is a thin 202Nm of torque, delivered at a high 4450rpm.
One positive of the naturally-aspirated, larger capacity route is that when pressing-on you can still achieve 'reasonable' fuel figures. The Ford returned 7.9L/100km (as tested) to lead this group.
Perhaps the Ford's largest let-down is the dual-clutch transmission, which only offers manual shifting via a switch beside the gear shifter. Frustrating on the road, it also did nothing to assist on our test laps.
On the track, the Focus is otherwise composed and enjoyable. Riding on 17-inch alloys shod with 215/50-series Michelin Primacy LC rubber, the grippy, poised chassis and positive steering contributed to a reasonable lap time of 1:06.4.
A 0-100km/h time of 9.7sec is nothing to write home about, and its 3.2sec 80-100km/h run trails this group. Out on the road, where outright performance is less of a concern, the Focus Sport is quiet and well mannered with an entirely acceptable ride.
Fit and Finish
Built in Thailand, the Focus Sport emerges with high standards of fit and finish that rate it among the best on test. Of particular note is the soft-touch upper dash surrounded by an array of well fitted, carefully chosen control elements and nicely tactile knobs and buttons.
Everything works smoothly and accurately: from the way the glovebox opens to the volume twist-knob for the sound system.
A mix of cloth and vinyl on the door trims contributes to a cosy feel, and individual items like the neat, stitched cover for the handbrake lever add to the Ford's feel-good nature.
The carpet, as evidenced in a high-kilometre Focus ST tested recently, shows a promise of tough durability, as does the cloth seating.
Paint quality is excellent and the door jambs – often the place where lazy assembly becomes evident – are meticulously finished. Body panel gaps, too, are tight and consistent throughout.
Prop open the bonnet and there's little to see other than a huge, moulded plastic shroud that covers practically everything apart from the regular inspection points for oil, coolant and windshield washer water, which are located in a familiar, standard fashion.
Technology
the Focus' technology offering stands strong – even against the hot new competition at hand.
The audio package includes the usual favourites (USB and 3.5mm auxiliary connectivity, single-CD, radio and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming) as well as voice command functionality that actually works.
Other standard technology features including cruise control with speed limiter function, sat-nav, a reversing camera and dual-zone climate control do their part to distract from the smaller 5.0-inch screen and keyed ignition, and the busy man/machine interface.
Navigating some aspects of the menu system and trip computer is not as clear or intuitive as it might be, and some guesswork is required when pairing a phone for the first time.
Auto lights and wipers and LED tail-lights are also included
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