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Which Ford Focus is better 2 or 3. All the best about the people's car and more. Comparison of technical characteristics

Choosing in favor of one car or another always seems quite difficult. Especially when the technical characteristics and equipment of the cars are largely similar. In the Soviet Union it was much easier with this issue than in 2016–2017, because people literally had no alternative, i.e. whatever car was available, that’s what he took. Modern realities are such that a person is stopped only by the size of his wallet, which is why many car enthusiasts rack their brains when choosing the appropriate option.

But how do you choose between a car whose technical data is almost identical? For example, what is more reliable – Mazda 3 or Ford Focus 2? Both cars are in approximately the same price category, and they have the same technical equipment. To deal with this issue, you need a more thorough analysis of each car, taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages.

In order to compare the Ford Focus 2 and Mazda 3, you need to look at the appearance of these cars. The representative of the Japanese automobile industry looks more youthful and aggressive, which is explained by the smooth body lines and transitions characteristic of sports cars.

Ford Focus 2 looks more archaic and classic, which should in no way be perceived as a drawback. After all, taste is a rather specific substance, which is why some car enthusiasts value strict lines and reliability, while others value a driving appearance and brutality. All this happens due to different age categories, so young people are more inclined to purchase a Mazda, and people of the middle generation prefer Ford Focus 2. But this division is quite subjective, we are only talking in general about the impression that the exteriors of these cars make .

Again, an American car is more suitable for a married couple, because it has a large trunk volume. If for Mazda it is 413 liters, then for Ford it is much larger - 467 liters.

Car interior

The interiors of both cars are made of quite high quality, which can be seen in many interior elements. The Mazda salon looks more youthful and sporty, so we can say that the philosophy that is visible in the appearance of the car is preserved in other aspects and details.

The steering wheel is quite small in size, and it is lined with leather, which adds additional comfort to the driver. Sports style can be found everywhere here:

The dashboard, in which the wells of the dials are literally recessed.
The ventilation nozzles are made in a round shape.
The design of the chairs looks deliberately daring.
General design of other devices.

The Ford Focus's interior is more conservative, which adds quite a lot of solidity to it. There is mostly high quality plastic here, but this does not make the car’s interior any cheaper. In general, if we talk about Ford’s interior, we are tempted to use the word “average,” but speaking about this not skeptically, but recognizing the classic style in design as a good design element. Here, rigor and quality can be seen in everything, so from this point of view, the Ford Focus’s interior looks more preferable than that of the Mazda.

Chassis

The Ford Focus 2 suspension is characterized by insufficient rigidity, which is typical for sports cars. During the tests, it was revealed that Mazda is superior to the representative of the American automobile industry in terms of driving characteristics, because it is more sporty not only in its appearance, but also in its “filling”. In general, many note that the Mazda 3 is the highest quality car in this regard, if we consider a specific class of sedans.

Comparison of technical characteristics

The difficulty of comparing these cars is that in terms of technical data they are largely similar. Looking under the hood, we find the following:

Mazda 3 has a 1.6-liter engine with a power of 105 horsepower.
Ford is doing slightly better - a 2-liter engine with 150 horsepower.
It is worth noting that Ford has a much wider range of engines, so in this regard it clearly outperforms Mazda. Focus 2 comes with engines whose volume starts from 80 hp and ends with an engine with a capacity of 150 “horses”. The volume can also be different - from 1.4 to 2 liters.

Despite the fact that the power of the American engine is higher than that of the Mazda, the Japanese car is not so much inferior to it in acceleration. In addition, the test drive showed that driving the Mazda is more comfortable, gear shifting is smoother, etc.

Ford Focus 2 behaves more calmly in this matter. Acceleration is quite smooth, so there is no particular dynamics in acceleration. However, the overall speed appears to be higher in the Ford, which is explained by the more powerful engine under the hood. At long distances this is especially noticeable.

To understand which is better - Mazda 3 or Ford Focus 2, let's look at their detailed technical characteristics. Thus, we will be able to clearly assess their capabilities, which will help in further selection.

Let's start with the technical data of the Mazda 3:

Manufacturer – Japan.
Body type – sedan.
Number of doors – 4.
The fuel used is gasoline.
Engine volume is 1598 cubic centimeters.
Power indicator – 105 hp.
Torque – 145 Nm.
Acceleration to 100 km per hour – 12.1 s
Fuel consumption – 6.5 liters per 100 km
Dimensions (LxWxH) – 458 cm/200 cm/147 cm
Weight – 1160 kg.
Ground clearance – 16 cm.
Trunk volume – 413 l.
The average cost is 480 thousand rubles.

Let's consider similar characteristics of Rav 4:

Manufacturer – USA.
Body type – Sedan.
Number of doors – 4.
Engine volume is from 1400 to 2 thousand cubic centimeters (depending on the configuration).
The gearbox is mechanical.
Power indicator – 150 hp.
Torque – 187 Nm.
Ground clearance – 14 cm.
Acceleration to 100 km per hour – 12 s.
Fuel consumption – 6.6 liters per 100 km
Dimensions (LxWxH) – 449 cm/184 cm/149 cm
Weight – 1352 kg.
The volume of the fuel tank is 55 liters.
Trunk volume – 467 l.
The average cost is 450 thousand rubles.

As we can see, these cars are similar in many ways, it’s not for nothing that they belong to the same class. Here the actual operation of the car itself plays a big role, so pay attention to the reviews of owners who have had practical experience driving these vehicles.

Among the positive aspects of the Ford Focus 2 are:

Good grip.
Self-sufficient interior and exterior of the car.
Fuel consumption is not very high, considering the engine power.
Stable operation of TVC and ESP.
High-quality Sony multimedia system.
Availability of LED interior lighting in various colors.

There are also some shortcomings that car enthusiasts note:

The rain sensor does not work as stably as we would like.
When driving in rainy weather, it was found that windshields quickly became dirty.
Repairing the battery is difficult because it is quite difficult to remove it from the car.
If you listen to loud music with bass, you can hear vibration and rattling of the plastic.

As for the Mazda 3, car enthusiasts note the following positive aspects:

Comfort, which is felt not only in the driver and passenger seats, but also when driving on the road surface.
The car is ideal for urban conditions, due to its stiff suspension and good road grip.
Good handling - the car immediately responds to gear changes, which allows you to truly enjoy driving.

As for the negative aspects, they are as follows:

The car has a fairly low ground clearance, so driving outside the city is not as stable as in the city.
Quite expensive components.

By the way, I would like to touch on the last topic separately. No matter how high-quality the car is, no matter how high the reliability of the body and its other components, sooner or later it will be necessary to replace spare parts with new ones. A very interesting and important nuance opens up here. If chassis elements require replacement, then this is not a problem - there are options for both cars on sale. But when the question arises of replacing body elements, Mazda significantly loses to Ford simply because these spare parts are practically not available for sale. Neither used nor original.

As for the Ford Focus 2, you can freely purchase a hood, bumpers, headlights and other spare parts, which greatly simplifies the repair issue. This fact should not be ignored, because few people would like to spend a lot of their time searching for components and spare parts for the “Japanese”. That is why you should think very carefully before making a final decision.

Let's sum it up

Mazda 3 and Ford Focus 2, which we compared today, are certainly good cars that have their own category of buyers. We just tried to compare their main characteristics so that the choice in favor of one or another option would be easier.

Generally speaking, Ford is an excellent car for a beginner, because it is quite easy to drive and operate in general. As for Mazda, it is most often chosen by younger people, who are attracted by its aggressive design, as well as its stiff suspension. In urban conditions, a Japanese car copes with its tasks better, but as soon as you go out into the countryside, the Ford Focus takes the lead.

And it is also necessary to talk about the cost of spare parts - for Mazda it is clearly higher. If you damage the body while driving, then repairs can be very, very expensive, which is explained not only by the cost of components, but also by the difficulty of purchasing them. A competent motorist always analyzes the likely benefits of purchasing a car, so he is unlikely to ignore this issue.

Videos about these cars

Comparison of Mazda 1.6 and Ford 1.6

Mazda 3 for 400 thousand

Lobach about the pros and cons of Mazda 3

Academician about Focus 2

Big test drive talks about Ford Focus 2

The Russian Focus II was equipped with gasoline engines of 1.4 liters (80 hp), 1.6 liters (100 and 115 hp), 1.8 liters (125 hp) and 2.0 liters (145 hp). Dealers also sold versions with a 1.8-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 115 horsepower. As standard, the 1.4-liter, 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines were combined with a five-speed manual transmission of the IB5 series, and with the 2.0-liter - the same “five-speed”, but with the MTX75 index, capable of “digesting” a larger torque. For all gasoline engines, except the 1.4-liter, a four-speed automatic transmission was offered.

In 2008, Ford introduced the updated Focus, which many even called the third “Focus” - the car was so radically transformed. But it was a classic restyling. The car now has new fenders, a hood, bumpers, headlights, exterior mirrors, and sidewalls - without moldings, but with more dynamic stiffeners. And the most noticeable innovation is the radiator grille in the form of a huge inverted trapezoid. For all versions except the sedan, LED rear lights began to be offered as an option. Another luxury Titanium package has appeared. In the cabin, the climate control unit and instrument panel have been updated. The finishing materials have become even better. But technically the Focus has not changed. It is the restyled versions that are preferable for purchase - most of the congenital diseases in such “Focuses” had already been cured by this time.

Modifications of Ford Focus II

Body

As a rule, the inspection of the specimen you like begins with the body. We still greet people based on their clothes. And if Focus doesn't inspire you with its appearance, don't rush to give up. Faded paint, sandblasted sills at the bottom and darkened decorative details on cars with high mileage are, rather, signs of natural aging rather than barbaric use. Particular attention is paid to the chrome trim on the trunk lid: corrosion at the point of contact with the body appears after two or three Russian winters. It costs about 5,000 rubles. At the same time, check the license plate illumination - its wiring succumbs to corrosion quite quickly. Moreover, hatchbacks and sedans suffer from this to a greater extent. Repair - 1500 rub.

In winter, the touch buttons of the trunk lock often freeze due to moisture. In addition, the Focus has had a signature problem since the first generation - a souring hood opening lock. In order for it to open easily, you need to lubricate the inner surface of the emblem covering the lock cylinder. Better yet, replace the standard plastic lock (RUB 3,000) with a metal one from Mondeo. The central locking often fails, causing not only the doors to be blocked, but also the gas tank flap. Therefore, an attempt to refuel with a faulty central lock may be unsuccessful.

Salon

The interior of the "Focuses" is assembled carefully and conscientiously. Even with age, squeaks and crickets do not bother him. And fabric upholstery is easy to dry clean and is wear-resistant. True, it happens that interior equipment and electrics are moping. There have been complaints about the failure of seat heating. Moreover, for the original “hot water bottle” you will have to pay about 10,000 rubles. There are known cases of climate control vagaries due to the failure of the cabin temperature sensor (RUB 2,500). Therefore, checking the performance of the air conditioner before purchasing a used Focus is advisable. Also drive the “stove” in different fan modes - the “whistle” of the motor will indicate its imminent demise. The new electric motor will empty your pocket by 7,500 rubles. True, a burnt resistor (900 rubles) can often be the culprit for the sudden “death” of a fan. Low beam and headlight bulbs often burn out, and to replace them you have to remove the headlight unit. And in winter you need to be prepared to replace failed elements of the side mirrors. The new amalgam is estimated at 2000 rubles.

Engine

Mechanics praise the basic 1.4-liter engine - it has virtually no congenital problems. The main thing is not to forget on time, every 80 thousand km, to update the timing belt. True, due to its modest volume and power, it is usually “twisted” to the fullest and it works for wear, falling into second hands already at the limit of its resource.

The 1.6-liter engine (100 hp), which was installed on the first Focus, rightfully bears the title of the most widespread and reliable. It accounts for more than a third of all “Focuses” presented on the market today. The South African-assembled motor is intended for use in third world countries. Its simple design determines excellent maintainability and low cost of operation. But many consider this unit to be rather weak for a modern car. Especially paired with an automatic transmission.

Another thing is its 115-horsepower brother, equipped with a variable valve timing system on the intake and exhaust shafts. The engine's thrust is already quite sufficient in all modes, and it gets along much better with an automatic transmission, and in terms of efficiency it is not inferior to the 100-horsepower version. Only this modern motor quickly “runs out” of the phase reflex coupling (RUB 11,500). True, on modernized machines the unit has become more durable.

Modifications with “fours” with a volume of 1.8 and 2.0 liters are second only to versions with a 1.6 liter engine (100 hp). Both engines are identical in design and suffer from common ailments. The service life of the engines is 350 thousand km. And the timing drive has a long-lasting chain, which is usually replaced after 200 thousand km. But in order for the engines to live safely into old age, after the first “hundred” you should pay attention to the valve cover gasket (RUB 1,000), which begins to poison the oil. However, at first you can limit yourself to tightening the bolts that are weakening due to vibrations. And then only replacement. By this time, as a rule, the upper hydraulic engine mount wears out (RUB 3,500).

The unreasonable melancholy of the 1.8-liter engine (it appears less frequently on the 2.0-liter) - poor traction and cold starts, rough idle speeds and increased fuel consumption - was associated with unfinished software of the electronic engine control unit. Therefore, dealers changed its firmware depending on the malfunction, although they were extremely reluctant to take these measures. Ignition coils, high-voltage wires, and fuel pumps are also short-lived. The throttle body and the exhaust gas recirculation valve become dirty quite quickly. Neutralizers (34,000 rubles) do not differ in mileage either, the life expectancy of which depends on engine oil consumption. If the engine's appetite increases to 200 grams per 1000 km, you need to sound the alarm and contact service. Otherwise, expensive repairs are guaranteed.

It is advisable to change the oil in a 1.8 liter turbodiesel every 5–10 thousand km, and refuel only at proven network gas stations. And then the high-pressure fuel pump (HFP) will cross the 200 thousand km mark. Repair - from RUB 30,000. You will have to spend money on new injection nozzles (RUB 12,500 each) and flush the exhaust gas recirculation valve. After 100 thousand km, the dual-mass flywheel wears out. A similar problem, by the way, occurs on the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. If you feel jerking when starting off and a characteristic rattling sound, change it immediately. The part is expensive - from 25,000 rubles, but the consequences of the destruction caused by the flywheel will be even more noticeable.

Transmission

On a manual IB5 gearbox, after 50–80 thousand km, “departures” of the second gear are known due to weak synchronizers. And when working with an increased load, the pinion axis in the differential may burst, which threatens a hole in the crankcase and repairs costing 100,000 rubles. If during a test drive the box “howls like a beast,” it means the input shaft bearing is worn out. And it urgently needs to be changed. Otherwise, the consequences can be depressing.

But the “mechanics” of the MTX75 are more durable. True, over time, oil seals and gear shift rod seals leak, and due to the low level of transmission oil, the shafts and gear rims quickly wear out. The clutch can last 100 thousand km or more, if not for a weak release bearing, made in a single block with the clutch slave cylinder, which wears out after 50 thousand km.

But the “automatic” is as simple as five kopecks and reliable as a tank. The 4F27E gearbox was installed on various Ford models back in the late 1980s, so today it is almost completely free from childhood diseases. After 150 thousand km, you will only need to repair the valve body (RUB 22,000) and replace the pressure regulator solenoids.

Suspension

With the driving properties of the Focus II, everything is in perfect order thanks to the exquisitely tuned independent suspension. Its main elements are long-lived. The idyll is broken by the support bearings of the struts, “nursing” on average 40–70 thousand km. Approximately the same amount was allocated to the wheel bearings, which are replaced as an assembly with the hubs. When replacing, do not forget about the ABS sensors - they are often damaged during dismantling. Light knocks in the suspension after 40,000 km will make themselves felt by the stabilizer struts. But the bushings last almost twice as long. At the same time, at 80–110 thousand km, the turn will come to update the ball joints assembled with a lever and silent blocks. And then shock absorbers are on the way (4,200 rubles each).

In the rear suspension, the stabilizer struts are updated every 60–80 thousand km. The bushings last on average one and a half times longer. By “hundred” the lower arms wear out. Shock absorbers (3,800 rubles each) have a slightly longer lifespan - they often reach 110–140 thousand km.

In the steering system, the rod ends are enough for 50–80 thousand km. And the rack itself on the first cars was even changed under warranty, but by 2008 it became more durable. Moreover, versions with 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines were equipped with a traditional hydraulic booster, and more powerful modifications came with an electro-hydraulic power steering, which can “burn out” the pump control board. Usually you have to change the entire assembly for 28,000 rubles.

Bottom line

Finding a technically serviceable Ford Focus II will not be difficult. If you are not satisfied with modifications with reliable 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines (100 hp), you can find a Focus from Europe with an equally reliable 2.0 liter turbodiesel. True, we have few such versions. And it’s better to opt for post-restyling cars - they have already suffered from childhood diseases.

Ford Focus II (2004–2011): case history

The second generation Ford Focus became a bestseller even before its official sales began. All the promotion work on the Russian market was done for him by his predecessor, who was extremely in demand by our compatriots. And the appearance of the Ford Focus II marked a new, higher quality product - the car was distinguished by high-quality finishing materials, good driving properties and a reasonable price, which was ensured by the Vsevolozhsk assembly. Near St. Petersburg they produced sedans, as well as three- and five-door hatchbacks, while station wagons and coupe-cabriolet hardtops were imported from Europe.

Ford Focus II (2004–2011): case history

The leader of the Russian market over the past few years has been the Ford Focus. It is not surprising that this model is also popular on the secondary market. Like all “Europeans” (and our Ford Focus has practically nothing to do with the American one), there were many modifications: a sedan, a station wagon, 3- and 5-door hatchbacks and even a convertible coupe with a folding hardtop. A 1.4-liter gasoline engine (80 hp) was considered the base one, but in practice it is rarely found.

Engines and models

Engines 1.6 l (100 and 115 hp), 1.8 l (125 hp) and 2.0 l (145 hp) are very popular in our country.

All of them are reliable and generally unpretentious. The 1.6-liter 100-horsepower engine, which readily consumes 92-octane gasoline, stands out for its enviable survivability and durability. True, its traction is not always enough, especially if the car is loaded to capacity.

There are also quite a few cars with diesel engines of 1.6 liters (90 and 109 hp) and 2.0 liters (136 hp). In 2007, the line was replenished with a 2.0 liter diesel engine (110 hp).

As standard, the Ford Focus was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, while the turbodiesel 136-horsepower modification (2.0 l) and the sports version ST (2.5 l, 225 hp) were equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. Four-speed automatic transmissions are an option only for petrol versions: 100-horsepower (1.6 l) and two-liter.

Focus in the basic Russian configuration is not very rich: a driver's airbag, power steering and electric front windows. However, there are few “empty” cars on the secondary market - usually compatriots paid extra for ABS, full power accessories, air conditioning, a passenger airbag, and a radio.

By the standards of its class, the Focus is very spacious inside. The finishing materials deserve special praise, and the parts are perfectly matched to each other. But the equipment is not everything. The main trump card of the model is excellent driving performance and almost standard handling.

Gasoline engines are generally unpretentious. The list of unreliable parts includes a hydraulic clutch for variable valve timing. If the car reacts sluggishly to pressing the gas pedal, and sharply loses power, prepare for about 7500-9800 rubles. to replace it.

Power steering pipes often leak, so the fluid level in the reservoir should be checked at least once a week. The crankshaft position sensors (from 800 rubles) and idle speed sensors (from 1200 rubles) are also short-lived.

From time to time, the crankshaft position sensors (from 760 rubles) and idle speed sensors (from 1200 rubles) may fail. Oil leaks under the car usually mean that the camshaft seals are leaking. The parts themselves cost pennies, but replacing them will cost 5,000-7,000 rubles.

In electrical equipment, the contacts of lighting devices are often broken. And in sedans, the wiring harness that supplies power to the lights on the trunk lid often breaks.

Excellent handling of the Ford Focus is a merit of the fully independent suspension. Moreover, the suspension, which is complex in design, is quite tenacious. There are not many weak points in it. If you begin to hear (on average after 50,000 km) a strong hum, increasing in proportion to the increase in speed, then it’s time to shell out 5,000-6,500 rubles. for replacing front wheel bearings.

Unlike the first Focus, the second was no longer a truly global car: in the USA, the Ford Focus 2 is a completely different model with its own design. Ford will return to unification only in 2011, when the third Focus debuts.

Ford Focus 2 turned out to be noticeably larger than its predecessor and more conservative in appearance. Russian sales of the model began in 2005, and the restyled version reached our showrooms in 2008. The appearance of the updated car has become much more interesting due to the expressive trapezoidal radiator grille and new optics of a complex shape. Even more soft plastic appeared in the cabin and fashionable red lighting began to play.

There are a lot of second “Focuses” on the market: every day hundreds of advertisements about their sales are published on Russian Internet platforms. Therefore, there is no need to rush into buying - look for a car that will suit you 100%.

The most common body type on our market is the sedan. The five-door hatchback is a little behind. There are noticeably fewer station wagons, and three-door hatches are rare.

Russians, as you know, are fans of driving fast, and the Ford Focus can only show at least some dynamics with a manual transmission. The most common versions are relatively inexpensive, but high-spirited versions with 1.6 (115 hp) and 1.8 (125 hp) engines and manual transmission. Much less common are cars with an automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter engine (145 hp) and a completely “boring” 1.6-liter engine, which is also derated in this version from 115 to 100 hp.

Well, and absolutely exotic - the most dynamic “Focuses” with a 2.0-liter engine (about the same 145 hp) and manual transmission, the most modest 1.4-liter (85 hp) models with a manual transmission and diesel versions with a 1.8 engine liter (115 hp), again with mechanics.

Watch an interesting video on this topic:

Which is better Ford Focus or Opel?
So I bought a Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost with 100 horsepower, I chose it because I think it’s better!
The choice turned out as follows:
Choosing between a large number of C-class representatives, I wanted something special, but at the same time not shouting about itself, like the Honda Civic;

reliable and conservative, but not Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra;

something bright, but not a Peugeot Citroen, somehow they look and drive like women, there is no drive at all.

Ford Focus is a time-tested car, popular in Europe, America and here, most importantly. Fresh, stylish, the golden mean between style and conservatism.
Interior view of Ford Focus
In the cabin, I was immediately struck by the excellent ergonomics, everything is at hand, concise and informative. A feeling of security and composure, I sat down and drove off without hesitation.
It is clear that the interior was designed by people who know their business. The quality of plastic for this money is 5-. I like everything in the cabin, but there could be more space in the back.
Driving impressions
The Focus drives as if glued to the road, cornering is excellent, steering is precise, the steering wheel becomes heavy as you pick up speed, safety comes first.
The suspension, as befits a driver's car, is a bit harsh. And to hell with it. DRIVES GREAT!
Ford's Heart
The engine with a volume of only 1 LITER, but with a turbine, produces exactly 100 hp, the dynamics of 12.5 seconds is certainly not encouraging, but the fuel consumption of 6 liters in the city compensates for this disadvantage.
On the highway we managed to achieve 4 liters per 100 km, although only 2 times, when I was driving 90 km/h all the way, otherwise, 4.5-5 liters.
Ford Focus problems that I encountered
The steering rack was changed once under warranty, and the stabilizers were changed. The rest is fine. No knocks or creaks anywhere. Mileage 39,000 km. I'm happy with the car.

It is generally incorrect to compare two generations of one car. New, in theory, should be better in everything. But the Focus is not an ordinary car for our market, and hundreds of thousands of Russians will really evaluate who is better, sometimes nostalgically recalling: “Oh, my second was...”

Ford Focus II went on sale in 2004, after which it successfully underwent restyling. The “second and a half” Focus - a modification updated in January 2008 - is still being produced on the assembly line in Vsevolozhsk.

The third generation, first shown in Moscow in the summer, will replace it at the Russian plant closer to the summer, while the first production models will reach customers by early September.

Outside

The previous Focus's design was a huge step up from the first generation, with the quickly outdated New Edge styling. Smooth and streamlined, it didn’t catch the eye, but it didn’t blend in with the crowd of competitors either.

The new Focus III has changed its clothes no less noticeably; the car shared the family design features of Fiesta and Kuga, receiving powerful “shoulders”, embossed sidewalls, and a radiator grille with huge triangular air intakes.

According to the developers, all this gives the new Focus III aggression and sportiness (it must be said that it is rare that a manufacturer, when introducing a new generation of car to the market, does not mention its increased sportiness and aggression). But at the same time, Focus joined the stream of cars with “European design” - from a distance it can be confused with any of its competitors. Except that no one else has such air intake triangles.

Inside

The front panel and doors of the “second” Focus are covered with soft plastic. The three-spoke steering wheel has a comfortable grip; behind it there are three steering column switches, which are not very convenient to reach. The instrument panel and monochrome display displaying computer readings are sufficient for a car at an affordable price. Nothing extra.

In the “third” Focus, everything is more serious than ever: high-quality plastic has become even softer, as if in a higher class, on the steering wheel spokes there are a pair of absolutely identical control joysticks... but with what? They're not signed! The instrument panel has a color display and now displays all vital readings. There is no flip key; in the test car it is replaced by a “Start&Stop” button (by the way, in place of the key there is a plug, i.e. you should expect a key in the basic configuration). Have I seen something like this somewhere before? The Mondeo had a similar button output and a display on the instrument panel with the same button.

Well, Focus III not only aims to be a class higher, but also tries to be like its older brother. The steering column switches on the new wheel now live closer to the driver’s hands and are located inside it. Comfortable.

The center console of the “second” has a very angular shape. The media panel with large keys and the climate control unit rarely caused any complaints from drivers. You can only notice that as soon as you take a comfortable sitting position, you have to reach for the necessary keys. But the location of the gearbox selector is optimal. The ashtray is also in its place.

While working on the third generation, the designers decided: enough of the sharp corners and squares, we need to introduce something new. As a result, we see a completely redesigned center console with a separate display and large air vents that take away precious space from the buttons. They turned out to be miniature, but very convenient for switching; the panel is moved closer to the driver, and he no longer needs to reach for anything. The gearshift knob has moved a little to the right, which I personally found inconvenient, but the parking brake handle is now in an accessible place. And the ashtray is gone.

As a result, there is less space for front passengers in the new model, mainly due to the convex and sloping down dashboard. But it’s much easier to sit comfortably in the “third” due to more comfortable seats with excellent lateral support and a moved center console. The second generation is more conservative, and it can no longer keep up with its contemporaries. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years we will say the same about Focus III?

On the road

Focus II has earned motorists the title of one of the most interesting and exciting cars to drive. The 2.0-liter version also has very good dynamic performance. Moreover, if the driver also has a manual transmission, there will be no limit to joy. But as soon as the tachometer needle crosses the 3000 rpm mark. It's getting noisy in the cabin...

In the new hatch, the designers have introduced a number of changes regarding vehicle control. Firstly, there is a new electromechanical power steering, which makes turning even easier and reduces fuel consumption.

The second generation models are comfortable and confidently hold the road. And as soon as you drive onto a dirt road or a snow-covered strip, the rear suspension harshly handles the unevenness and sends a dull thump into the cabin. What about Focus III? Yes, everything is the same. It has perhaps become a little more comfortable and, most importantly, much quieter. True, the new sound insulation will be installed at the factory only in the top and, naturally, expensive versions of the Focus III. Buyers of the basic version will be content with standard sound insulation; we have not yet been able to test cars with it.

The new Focus handles the road well, but its predecessor is no worse. The supercharged Focus III engine paired with a six-speed gearbox perfectly complements the driver's chassis. The only thing that didn’t please me about the new product was the swaying of the body on the “wavy” surface.