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Posted on 22 / 07 / 2003
Ford Focus RS
This is an exceptional car which is as close to a rally car as
the Subaru Impreza Turbo and Evo from Mitsubishi. The only thing
some people would claim it lacks is 4 wheel drive, it instead uses
a rally car style front differential to send power to the front
wheels. This means the Focus can carry great grip around corners
and even in the wet. The performance is fantastic with awesome pull
in all 5 gears and 212 bhp. I decided to order one after seeing
it on Top gear (the review wasn't great on top gear, but what do
you expect from Clarkson), the real test showed when it beat the
Volkswagen Golf R32 around the track. I think the car looks awesome
and the interior seems about what you would expect from a £20,000
car. Admittedly I am a big RS fan but I think it you want a good
test of your driving ability and performance to boot, you can only
pick the Focus RS.
User Rating - 
Mike Davis, Northampton
User rating - 
Model - Ford Fiesta 1.4i
Excellent roadholding and handling, very safe and stylish car.
I am totally 100% satisfied with the Fiesta.
By User - cobus
User rating - 
Model - Ford Focus (TDCI)
I bought my Focus TDCI (115BHP) new almost 2 years ago. I almost
went for the direct injection diesel engine (TDDI) purely because
it was the best part of a grand cheaper. Am I glad I didn\'t - the
TDCI is much superior in every way.
The car had a couple of niggly teething problems at the start -
faulty wiper blade that scratched the screen, requiring a new screen,
and a front fog light that needed replaced due to a bad seal. The
dealer was good though and had the repairs done quickly and hassle
free. Aside from these problems the car has been fault free.
The cars strongest point is the common rail diesel engine - absolutely
top notch. The speed is directly comparable with the 1.8 petrol
and probably better where it counts i.e. above 50mph for passing
other cars etc. Fortunately the fuel consumption is entirely uncomparable,
with the car returning about 50mpg on average without being driven
gently.
Would I buy another - well obviously not now with a new Focus due
soon, and I would seriously have to consider the opposition, most
importantly the new Astra.
The Focus may be starting to look a little tired when up against
newer models however the TDCI engine remains absolutely top dog.
By User - Gary Funston, Belfast
User rating - 
I have been driving Ford Fusion for about 8 months by now, and
I think I have a couple words to share with whom has interest in.
Fusion is a reduced sized SUV type car by which I was attracted
most. I consider its outer design as both powerfull and gentle and
the feeling inside the car is also strong. Cockpit design is closer
to SUV vehicles yet I must confess that the quality of the material
used in cockpit is not very high. On the otherhand lightning systems
of the speedometer is quite attractive.
Suspension system of the car is honestly not comfortable. If you
are looking for suspension comfort Fusion may not answer your needs.
But its suspension system gives the car a better road grip and handling.
It lets you take the corners safely. It is also usefull for the
bad road conditions. Driving position of Fusion is comfortable and
lets you master the road. View is very clear. The acceleration is
quite satisfying when using Fusion 1.6. But engine is a bit noisy
in high ravs and it is quite
disturbing when combined with the noise of the road, wheels and
suspension system during bad road conditions.
CD player has an annoying habit of skipping even on bumps and small
sized holes on the road. Manually operated rear windows and the
uncomfortable location of the ontrol button for the side mirrors
are out of fashion. Breaks are safe and confident with ABS system.
Air conditioning is
working fine but it produces a lot of noise. As a conclusion Fusion
is a good looking attractive car. Everything is satisfying except
low suspension comfort and a few missed details in the car. One
real handicap of the car is; even if you stop the car and leave
it on gear, if you do not use the hand brake, car slides on the
hills. I doubt if it is a techinal fault or not. Because other cars
does not move on hills if you leave them on gear and you do not
necessarily have to use the hand brake.
By User - Alp Mahir Akyuz
User rating - 
Model - Ford Fusion 3 1.4 durashift
Generally well thought out. No lip to boot and slide-in seat heights
very good. Driving position fairly good. Gearbox easy to use but
will only tow 500 Kgs. Error in info plus not enquiring deeply enough
myself at purchase, means I've had to sell my caravan. Economical
and will reach decent speed on motorway but engine lacks 'go' and
has no braking effect at all on descents in manual mode. I find
seats very uncomfortable though wife likes them. Very reliable.
Amazing capacity with back seat down for visits to B&Q etc.
Shoddy space-saver spare. Good service from our local Ford dealer.
Adequate though somewhat overpriced. I feel now, that we should
perhaps have looked further and bought something better. I wouldn't
buy another though I must admit that apart from the caravan problem
it has done evrything we've asked of it quite satisfactorily.
By User - Denis Clarke
User rating - 
Model - Ford Fusion 1.4 TCDi
I was supplied with an almost new Fusion as a hire car and I have
to say that it was one of the worst cars I have ever had the misfortune
to have driven. The build quality was appalling. The engine was
dreadfully noisy at all speeds, and I have driven diesels since
they were a novelty 20 years ago. It handled badly. Little thought
has been given to comfort or convenience of driver or passengers.
For instance the exterior mirror adjustment is useless if you are
tall. The seats are some of the poorest since the Hillman Hunter!
All things considered, this car is nearly as bad as a Rover, which
is probably as low as I can go. Avoid this turkey at all costs.
By User - Ian
User rating - 
Model - Ford Mondeo LX Di
A very good decision the day I bought my Mondeo. A good car, I
needed plenty of room for the kids, this car fulfilled my needs.
Enough power anybody would need around town and plenty of 'poke'
when needed out of town. My 2.0L Di engine is a bit noisier than
I thought it would be when I first bought it however this doesn't
even feature when the speed gets up (having previously owned a petrol
engine Laguna).
The overall performance is very satisfactory and quite easy on
the pocket regarding fuel consumption, cheaper tax and insurance,
and it is pleasing to the eye.
Overall, I am more than satisfied with my car in all respects.
By User - Michael Watkins
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