Thanks to our vehicle rental partner, Enterprise Leigh, Manchester, for allowing our team to demo the Ford FOCUS HATCHBACK 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr manual (browse deals,) which they offer to their Manchester and Liverpool car hire customers.
The Ford Focus, like the Ford Fiesta, is one the UK’s best-selling vehicles and has been a stable offer in the personal and business car leasing market. Where we have noticed the Focus becoming more popular is through the petrol models. As the UK seems to be heading towards an anti-diesel/diesel scrappage mentality, petrol engines are becoming more and more popular. In particular, the low-mileage users who are likely to have DPF issues are now making a pragmatic decision with petrol derivatives.
If you are only covering 5,000 to 8,000 miles, you need to consider petrol. If yo are high-mileage user, then diesel will offer you a decent solution.
The most popular petrol model is the 1.0 litre (999CC) engine, which you can get in 100ps and 125ps formats. The 3-Cylinder engine will offer a combined 61.4 MPG and will get you to 62mph in the 100ps derivative. In terms of servicing on the Focus, intervals are set at every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever is sooner. If you are looking for something more luxury and sporty, you need to go for the 2.0T EcoBoost, which is a 185ps or 250ps engine. This will get you to 62mph in a competitive 6.5 seconds. It’s not quite Focus RS speed, but still an exciting drive! You can also now get a Ford Focus Electric Engine too which has over 140ps and immense torque figures and a 1 speed gearbox.
The Zetec model seen here is very much your “middle of the road” in the range. Ideally, go for the Zetec S for a bit of aesthetics or go for the Titanium for a bit more comfort. The Zetec will offer some basics with a “Quickclear” screen, SYNC 2 DAB, air conditioning, cloth upholstery. 16” alloy wheels and body coloured bumpers/externals. With you needing to upgrade to get essential features like the rear parking sensors and navigation, this might be a tad too frugal for most drivers?
With great alternatives like the Vauxhall Astra 1.4T Elite Nav (Read our Review or check out the deals) and the Seat Leon Se Technology, Ford really do have to lift their game…
Which mid-size hatchback would you go for if you had the choice?
Check out some of the webs best lease deals on the all new Ford Focus range here.