Ford Focus Estate Review, The Ford Focus Estate has been a popular choice for those needing a practical family car. With its spacious interior, reliable performance, and sleek design, it’s no wonder many people are drawn to this vehicle. The Focus Estate is known for its excellent driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive, whether on city streets or the open road. It’s also packed with modern technology, providing comfort and convenience for both the driver and passengers. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of the Ford Focus Estate, including its design, performance, features, and overall value for money.
Ford Focus Estate Review – Design and Exterior
The Ford Focus Estate offers a stylish and modern exterior design. It has a sleek profile that gives it a sporty look, while its elongated body provides more cargo space than the standard Focus hatchback. The front features a bold grille and sharp headlights, giving it a confident appearance on the road. The car’s aerodynamic lines not only add to its visual appeal but also contribute to its fuel efficiency.
The rear of the Focus Estate is equally impressive, with large taillights that extend into the tailgate. This design choice not only enhances visibility but also adds a touch of elegance to the car’s rear profile. The roof rails are a practical addition, allowing you to carry extra luggage or sports equipment. With various colour options and alloy wheel designs, the Focus Estate can be customised to suit personal preferences.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Ford Focus Estate offers a comfortable and spacious cabin. The materials used are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces and well-finished details. The seats are supportive and provide good comfort, even on long journeys. There is ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it an excellent choice for families.
The boot space is one of the highlights of the Focus Estate, offering 575 litres of space with the rear seats up. When the seats are folded down, this expands to 1,620 litres, providing plenty of room for large items. The low loading lip makes it easy to load heavy or bulky items into the boot. Additionally, there are various storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a roomy glove box, door pockets, and cup holders.
Technology and Infotainment
The Ford Focus Estate is equipped with a range of modern technology features. The standard model comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to connect your smartphone and access navigation, music, and other apps directly from the screen. The system is user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive controls.
Higher trims offer additional features, such as a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, and a premium sound system. The FordPass Connect feature provides in-car Wi-Fi for up to ten devices and allows you to control certain car functions remotely using a smartphone app. Safety features are also plentiful, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Ford Focus Estate Review – Performance and Handling
The Ford Focus Estate is known for its excellent handling and responsive steering, making it one of the best-driving cars in its class. The suspension is well-tuned to provide a smooth ride, even on rough roads. The car feels stable and composed, whether navigating tight corners or cruising on the motorway.
Under the bonnet, the Focus Estate offers a range of engine options. There are petrol and diesel engines available, each providing a good balance of performance and efficiency. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is a popular choice, offering lively performance and good fuel economy. For those who need more power, there is a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, which provides stronger acceleration. Diesel options are also available for those who prefer better fuel efficiency and torque.
Engine Options and Specifications
| Engine Option | Power Output | Fuel Economy (MPG) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0-litre EcoBoost | 125 HP | 51 MPG | 122 |
| 1.5-litre EcoBoost | 182 HP | 45 MPG | 138 |
| 1.5-litre EcoBlue Diesel | 120 HP | 64 MPG | 107 |
| 2.0-litre EcoBlue Diesel | 150 HP | 58 MPG | 111 |
Driving Experience
Driving the Ford Focus Estate is a pleasurable experience, thanks to its agile handling and responsive engines. The steering is precise and offers good feedback, making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it. The manual transmission is smooth and engaging, while the automatic option provides seamless gear changes. The car is quiet at cruising speeds, with minimal wind and road noise entering the cabin.
The Focus Estate also comes with selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust the car’s performance based on driving conditions. These modes include Normal, Eco, and Sport, each altering the throttle response, steering weight, and gearshift patterns. This versatility makes the Focus Estate suitable for various driving scenarios, from city commuting to spirited driving on country roads.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a priority for Ford, and the Focus Estate is packed with advanced safety features. It has received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, thanks to its robust safety structure and comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.
Higher trims offer additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and active park assist. These features enhance the overall safety of the vehicle, making it a reassuring choice for families. In terms of reliability, the Ford Focus Estate has a good reputation, with many owners praising its dependable performance and low maintenance costs.
Ford Focus Estate Pricing and Value for Money
The Ford Focus Estate offers excellent value for money, with prices starting from around £23,000. This makes it competitively priced within its segment, offering a range of features and capabilities that justify its cost. The higher trims offer more luxury and technology, with prices reaching up to £30,000. However, even the base model comes well-equipped, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers.
Ford also offers various finance options and promotions, making it easier for buyers to purchase or lease a Focus Estate. Additionally, the car’s good fuel economy and low emissions make it affordable to run, with reasonable insurance and road tax costs.
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Conclusion
The Ford Focus Estate is a well-rounded and versatile vehicle that offers a great blend of practicality, comfort, and driving enjoyment. Its spacious interior and large boot make it an ideal choice for families, while its agile handling and modern technology appeal to those who enjoy driving. With a range of engine options and competitive pricing, the Focus Estate is a solid choice in the compact estate segment. Whether you’re looking for a family car, a reliable commuter, or a versatile vehicle for weekend adventures, the Ford Focus Estate is worth considering.
