Terrific transmission, excellent economy
Published:Sunday | August 19, 2012 | 12:00 AM
... but mysterious releases a let-down on Ford Focus
Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer
After almost pulling the Ford Focus apart and still not being able to find the bonnet release, having looked in all the logical places, I was more than a little startled when sales representative Andrew Channer pointed it out on the other side of the vehicle, where it is out of reach of the driver, yet close at hand for the front-seat passenger. He was unable to come up with a logical explanation for this departure from simplicity, and so I started my test drive of the Ford Focus a little suspicious about the thinking that governed its design.
A fuel economy of 41 miles to the gallon was one of the highly touted selling points, and I was caught off guard by the seamless gear changes and amazing responsiveness, especially after opting for the six-speed sport (or manual) mode. Approaching the Portmore toll booth in sixth gear, by the time I stopped to interact with the toll clerk, the vehicle had eased into first with nary a protest from the transmission.
Very enjoyable ride
So it was that I peeled away from the booth, changing up (still in sport/manual) by gently, very gently, squeezing the button at the top of the gear-shift lever. As I moved back to automatic mode and pressed the accelerator to overtake a car and slipped back into the left lane well ahead of an oncoming vehicle, it occurred to me - the transmission is the best thing about this vehicle. I had not heard the engine labour at any time, while braking suddenly, swinging out from behind cars and powering forward and I was convinced that the midrange 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder engine was enjoying the ride almost as much as myself.
I still had not checked out the voice-activated radio or Bluetooth connectivity, although having noted the impressive array of entertainment features all well placed within easy reach of the driver. With everything voice or thumb-activated from the steering wheel, it would be very tempting to take the Trend, the mid-range 2012 Ford Focus model for an extended ride - across the island, even though I have a few concerns.
I still haven't found the trunk release or gas tank latch and do believe that a six-footer in the back seat could find it a little cramped, even though Channer described it as a "closed cockpit" and not lacking in space. However, if you enjoy driving, really enjoy going for long trips, this vehicle is the one to for you. Changing from manual to sport mode and back on the fly, or changing to higher gears in sport mode with a mere touch of the button, which speed demon wouldn't enjoy this ride?