Ford Focus Estate (2011 - 2018) 1.6 TDCi (115bhp) Titanium X 5d (2011/61) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doing well and has a life outside work (putting the estate to good use).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Very smart, especially the interior.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but not with the 1.6 TDCi unless it's significantly overhauled as it's by far the weakest part of the car and is not as economical as the old one, averaging 52-55mpg as opposed to 58-60mpg. On the upside company car tax is very low, but I'd be tempted by a 2.0 TDCi for the extra driveability.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford Focus, BMW 1 series, VW Golf, Audi A3 or similar.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

November 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

My Focus is a company car so I can't comment on the purchase price, however lease rates were competitive allowing me to have a top spec Titanium X.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a fun but comfortable small estate with good equipment and low company car tax.

What was the dealer like?

The car was delivered to my door so I never saw the supplying dealer.

What's it like to drive?

I enjoy driving my new Focus but not as much as my 2008 Focus. The new one is significantly more refined, has a nicer gearbox, faster steering and a slightly more comfortable ride, but it rolls more in the corners than the old one and the steering lacks the feel provided in the Mk2 Focus. However it's the engine that's my main gripe. The old one would pull happily and strongly from 1000rpm yet the new one is jerky at low revs, especially when cold and won't pull well until over 1500rpm. This makes it a bit of a chore in town but on the open road things are better where the engine spins freely above 2000rpm, the gearbox is quick and the computer automatically rev matches so the engine revs are held at right level to slot in the next gear up (doesn't work with down shifts though).

What's it like to park?

Being an estate with all round parking sensors it's quite easy, but it's not a small car which is noticeable in tight car parks. The lock is good on 17 inch wheels, but I understand 18 inch wheels restrict the steering lock. The park assist is surprisingly effective and easy to use, neatly parallel parking (great to show friends), however there have been a few occasions when I've got in spaces it refused to acknowledge, but I'm still impressed with just how well it works the majority of the time.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Unfortunately yes. Initially it wouldn't pull in first gear to the extent I was avoiding right turns across traffic. However this has improved substantially and seems to have been caused by the engine being very tight when new. Since then I've had a rattle from the dash caused by a loose radio control unit and a leak from one of the drive shaft seals (all fixed under warranty), though I think the other drive shaft seal may now be leaking. The car has also been subject to one recall and the car can sometimes 'lose' the keyless key unless you wiggle it in front of the dash.

What's most practical about your car?

Ford have applied common sense to the design of the estate. It's got a nice square boot, with no intrusions, a low load lip which is finished in black plastic so there's no paint to scrape. The seats fold flat and the load cover works well. The electric folding mirrors are useful as is the capless fuel filler. I'd struggle to live without the heated windscreen which is great for demisting and defrosting. It's a very easy car to use day to day.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Having a Titanium X means plenty of toys. The heated electrically adjustable seats are excellent and the stereo superb (the iPod integration is particularly useful). The cruise control with speed limiter is one of the most useful gadgets, especially when going through roadworks, but the Xenon headlights impress me most - they deliver significantly better illumination at night than halogen units.