You're reading this road review because you need to know three things about the Ford Focus range.
One:
It's been recently facelifted.
Two:
The two-litre turbodiesel on review here is the only model in the range mated to a completely new gearbox.
Three:
We informally put this diesel sedan up against two competitors but didn't do a formal shoot-out as the competitors were hatchbacks with manual gearboxes. However, there are some interesting comparisons.
Let's start with the facelift. The Focus you see in these pictures has a new bonnet and upper grille and a larger Ford Blue Oval.
The lower grille now has a chromed strip and the fog lights are fresh from the design studio. Door mirrors are larger and bear the side indicator repeaters.
At the rear the Focus has new tail lights and the rear track is slightly wider thanks to a new range of alloy rims with more offset. The cousins will approve of the new roof spoiler (hatchback only) and the new alloy rims across the range.
Inside there are new instruments, backlit in red (which Ford reckons is easier on the eyes), new switchgear for the radio and aircon and new grab handles on the doors.
The centre console has been redesigned with a convenient armrest that slides backwards and forwards and under that lid are cup holders, separate coin and card holders (the latter was also handy for my cell phone) and a USB port.
Ford makes special mention of the fact that the door pockets can now hold a standard water bottle.
The trim around the instrument panel and on the doors is also new but there's a fair amount of plastic everywhere, which gives a somewhat cheap feel.
Now for something a little more interesting: the new gearbox. BMW calls it DCT, VW calls it DSG, Porsche calls it PDK and Ford calls it Powershift. Yes, it's a double-clutch auto and is available only on the two-litre Focus diesel.
Ford won't confirm the next home for this gearbox - a R15 000 option - but it's obvious we'll be seeing more of it.
I thought it strange that Ford would choose a diesel unit to debut this fancy transmission instead of the big-daddy Focus ST, but it works quite well with the 100kW/320Nm (340 with overboost) turbodiesel.
It's smooth and perfect for the daily commute and. In fact it reminded me of driving a golf cart - you hardly feel the gear changes. There's the option of slipping the gearshift into the manual gate but that's pointless for several reasons.
It won't hold a gear - it will still change up at the limiter - and the engine is far from sporty, meaning playing with the gears offers no real driver satisfaction. Just leave it alone and let it do its thing.
The engine offers good torque from as low as 2000rpm, well managed by the six-speed transmission. Lag is almost non-existent and the quick changes ensure you're always in the right rev range.
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
Ford reckons there's a fuel saving, too, and quotes 5.8 litres/100km in the media release (thanks to features such as neutral idle control, which reduces torque when stationary with your foot on the brake), but this was negated by the real-life 7.5 litres we measured.
We happened to have the Focus for testing at the same time as the Honda Civic and VW Golf hatchback manuals. We put the Focus through the same performance and handling tests and got some interesting results.
The Ford is great in traffic and on the long open road, but the handling isn't nearly as sharp as the two hatches. It had major understeer through the electro-hydraulic power steering (Ford calls it EHPAS) that's far too light and gives little feedback.
The stability control and anti-lock brakes ultimately prevent mishaps but there was no comparison to be made with the other two cars in terms of grip or driver appeal on the ride and handling track; the Focus was all over the place.
This is very unusual for a Focus as their reputation for cornering is quite good.
VERDICT
Look for this car when next you get a rental; that's really what it's built for. It's perfect for A to B and the gearbox really is the business.
Ford says cabin noise has been reduced in the diesels through better insulation; indeed, the daily commute is really quite pleasant.
Just don't get windgat, it could bite back. Competitor-wise, the Focus Powershift is certainly unique in the sedan two-litre diesel segment.
Now when are we getting the Powershift ST? - Star Motoring