Well as part of the search for a new wagon, I happen to have a Hertz rental, that includes one of the cars I might have considered. Then a twist.
So it gets a road test. Focus Zetec 1.6 Hatch
Initial thoughts are, Interior oh so boring. Quality of plastics, mouldings and fit is good, but poor choice of textures and colours makes it feel very cheap. A large glovebox but an appling lack of cubby holes and odment spaces. The door pockets are next to useless.
Seats initially comfortable, then rapidly find that the seat squab is too short, seat too narrow,
and an ache sets in after an hour.
At first Driving wise, you cant deny its Focus. Lovely gearbox, well damped firmish ride
nice perfectly weighted steering, no doubt it handles well ( cant find out at the mo )
But then it all goes pear shaped. Nicolle and Jaques hate it. Fifi the faithfull RF hound bangs her nose on the seat backs every time she jumps in, (the boot is deep with a pronounced lip)
and something funny happens with the ride three up & dog ala boot. It starts to pitch front to rear almost as tho the front and rear wheels are on out of synch ripples. Speed bumps result in a
distinct jump up/jump down syndrome.
But worse of all, at 70 - 80 mph the engine is doing 3,200 - 3,500 revs, & drones annoyingly.
This 1.6 needs a 6th gear. It wouldnt be a problem it has enough low down urge. 2,600 - 3000 at
70- 80mph would be perfect.
Now the twist
After the accident I am temporary slightly disabled. I can't bend at waist, twist torso more than 45 degrees left/right, extend right arm fully out. I need to keep my torso (waist to neck) rigid, and right arm /shoulder movement to a minimum.
So here is the focus from that less mobile point of veiw
It has good seat height, so no falling down into it. One needs to open door fully, and sit down into seat at 90 degrees with both your legs still outside the car. Then slip one then two legs into driving seat. Before you do that you need to pull the door in one click on the stay as it will be too far away to shut once in. Once in, all falls to hand and driving is easy. The hatch lid goes up far enough to stop you banging your head, but not too high you cant pull it donw with your left arm without stretching. The boot depth is a real no no though, once in that deep well stuff has to stay there!
So In summary, No Focus Mk2 for RF.
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Two quick points re Focus, a 2.0 TDCi estate would solve dog room and rpm at speed, re comfort perhaps a C-Max, just ask HJ.
Otherwise it would be good to know what budget you have RF?
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C-MAX might be on the list, its a tad pricey tho for what it is. I am stuck with lease prices as given by my lease company.
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After the accident I am temporary slightly disabled. I can't bend at waist, twist torso .....
So, shouldn't the title of this thread be "Focus road test - without a twist" ??
OK, OK, I'll get my coat....
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BONG
you win todays booby prize for pointing out the irony.
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You got me there. You see, I don't do irony on Mondays.
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My wife does irony on Sundays, moans about my shirts.
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>After the accident I am temporary slightly disabled. I can't >bend at waist, twist torso more than 45 degrees left/right, >extend right arm fully out. I need to keep my torso (waist to >neck) rigid, and right arm /shoulder movement to a minimum.
Hope a doctor has signed you off as fit to drive. Sounds like you could do with some recuperation time.
Just a thought.....
--
Was Charles {P} but someone c o p i e d my name with spaces.
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