Long-term test drve: 2007 Ford Focus SE wagon
5-day Long-term test drive: 2007 Ford Focus SE wagon with 4-speed automatic and Comfort Group
Price as tested: CDN$20244
Total mileage through the test: 350km
Ford Focus has always been regarded as one of the better econocars in the business. In the last 5 days, we had to chance to put its wagon into a vigorous long-term test in rainy Vancouver weather.
Despite North America-bound Focus still uses the platform dated back to 1999, its merits are still good enough to held its own against newer competitors. We have been smitten by the Focus’s swift handling dynamics and comfortable ride. Its excellent highway stability has given us as much confidence as our beloved Audis on speed over 140 km/h. The chassis feels solid-as-a-rock without any sense of flex and rattles. Steering is reassuring and provide feedback. Our main dislike about wagon’s dynamic trait has to be hallowing sound in the cargo area. However, its not something unusual because its kind of common in many econocar-based wagons. Chevy Optra wagon is another example that experienced this kind of sound.
136 hp certainly won’t make heart pounding in this Focus, however, 136 lb/ft of torque is very useful for daily driving. That’s despite we found the gear ratios aren’t well-matched to the engine’s character. The 3rd and 4th gear ratios are too far apart for its own good. However, we returned decent fuel economy. With our 70% highway and 30% city driving, an average of 7L/100km is pretty impressive for this Duratec unit. Other than gear ratio, we hope the Duratec can be more refined and quiet at cruising speed.
In terms of versatility, its amazing. We have hauled a huge table home without folding the rear seats. There are also plenty of storage space inside. The cloth seats are comfortable. On the other hand, we found the rotary controlled height adjuster for driver’s seat awkward.
Given Focus’s age, we found it very surprisingly about how much we liked about it in the last couple of days. If Ford North America is able to bring the new Focus from Europe, this econocar will continue to sell well. The current car will remained as a competent instead of an outstanding car until the completely new version arrives.