Ford Focus Hatchback (2011 - 2018) 1.6 TDCi (115bhp) Zetec 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I chose the colour (Cherry Red, a tri-colour) because the Focus mark 3 looks best in that colour. The styling of the front end is aslo quite sporty and hints at speed and performance of a more expensive car!

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

That it is very nice looking and very comfortable.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would, because I like it every time I drive it - except when the clutch is playing up. However, the new Golf seems an excellent car and will take serious consideration. I would hope that Ford develop a more economical engine soon, and that the turning circle would be attended to.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably another Focus but perhaps the new Golf.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It is a Motability car so it is leased.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had the mark 2 Focus and it was a wonderful car to drive, so it was logical to get the new model. This car added stop-start technology, a sixth gear and rear parking sensors. Reviews of the new model were very positive.

What was the dealer like?

The Motability adviser was extremely helpful.

What's it like to drive?

The car is lovely to drive and it is very comfortable and stable. The steering is very responsive and the car is fun to drive. The rear window in the Mark 3 is much smaller than in the Mark 2, so visibilty is much reduced. However, I would recommend the car to anyone.

What's it like to park?

The steering lock is very poor and which makes 3-point turns on narrow roads into 4-point turns! Parking in tight car parks is difficult because the car does not turn as sharply as it should - the angles feel all wrong. The rear parking sensors are very useful for a middle-aged person like me, but you have to remember that if you reverse quickly the sensors cannot keep up with the speed - as I found out to my cost when I reversed quickly into a wall !

Have you had any problems with the car?

The biggest problem has been with the clutch. After a few hours on the motorway, the clutch sticks on the floor when engaged and has to be lifted with the foot before it can be engaged again. This effect last for a few days and then normal pressure returns to the system. The master cylinder and spring have been replaced, but the dealership and Ford seem unable to resolve the problem. It has been very frustrating but it is manageable when you work out what to do. I found lots of customers reviews on the internet with the same problem. The car is not as economical as I had expected, despite the sixth gear.

What's most practical about your car?

The electric mirrors can be folded quickly when necessary. I really like that.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The stop-start is fantastic. I like the idea of not wasting fuel and not producing pollution and noise when waiting at traffic lights, for example.