Areas for improvement: Brakes
The performance is quite bad considering it's supposed to have 148BHP. It feels no quicker than my old Focus 1.8 Zetec.The gearing is all wrong (too short), which doesn't help.There is no low down torque, and there's a bad flat spot between 3,000 & 4,250 RPM.Between 4,250 & 5,500 RPM, the car is like a little rocket, but who drives round at those revs all day.
The brakes are frighteningly bad; if you need to press on hard below 60MPH they are fine, but if you have to brake hard at motorway speeds, then they suffer from terrible fade to the point where I though I was going to snap the pedal the one day.
Also, when braking hard at speed, the rear end of the car wants to step out, which can be very un-nerving.
The front suspension is also way too hard for British "B" roads, to the point where it will try to take the steering wheel out of your hands.
For a 2.0 petrol though, it has quite good fuel economy; I get around 30MPG.
The paint finish is also quite good.
The only real good point was the price; I suppose you get what you pay for!
The running costs for Ford Fiesta 2.0 petrol Manual are normal
Areas for improvement: None
Ford has come a long way! But mostly with help from Mazda!I also got a great deal all in....
In the past I have bought new Toyota, VW, Nissan, etc... So far, this Focus has beat all those cars,isn't bad for a Mazda drivetrain, keyless entry, alloy "RS" type wheels, MP3/CR-R/CD-RW radio, etc...
Handling is great too. I can compare this with some of my previous cars, VW GTI, Audi A4, toyota corolla, etc... and the Focus handles VERY good for its price.
There is lots of steering feedback and not over-boosted assist.... When tossed into a turn, the suspension digs-in with a positive feel through the maneuver. Front bakes are fairly large too, as compared to other cars in its class.
It's been about 7000 miles since delivery. I'll check in every once-in-a-while to post updates.
The running costs for Ford Fiesta 2.0 are normal
Areas for improvement: None
This car is amazing; small, but lots of room inside.
Leather wrapped steering wheel feels great to drive with, corners like nothing I've ever driven before, and the engine just keeps pulling on the highway.
The seating is perfect, the gearbox feels amazing, and the brakes are strong.
The gear ratios are perfect, the exhaust sings like a choir, and the interior is well fitted and high quality.
Driving this car brings the road alive, you will just be so eager to drive it down a road full of corners and obstacles, because the car entices you to.
Best small car ever!
The running costs for Ford Fiesta 1.6 Duratec Manual are normal
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