DCOTY 2013 Ford Focus

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Winner: Ford Focus Trend

Finalist: Volkswagen Golf 90TSI Comfortline

It’s not often that the defending champion enters the competition as the underdog, but the Ford Focus Trend was facing stiff competition in 2013.
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Two years after the then-new Focus beat the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf 118TSI to take this title the German brand returned with its new Golf.

It was a straight fight between the Focus Trend and the Golf 90TSI this year and history suggested the German contender was likely to take the prize. The previous Golf had reigned supreme from 2009 until the Focus knocked it off in 2011. It seemed reasonable to think the new Golf would reclaim Volkswagen’s honour.

But this is why we test and not just assume the winner because after each car had been put through its paces and assessed against the criteria it was the Ford that triumphed again.

“It’s still a brilliant value small car, with good ownership credentials and a lovable nature,” said one judge, summing up why the Focus was victorious.

The Focus didn’t escape criticism though, most judges acknowledging that it is starting to look its age and the plethora of buttons and switches on the dashboard won’t be to everyone’s taste.

But where it mattered most the Focus ticked the right boxes. The 125kW/202Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine remains both engaging and efficient (6.6-litres per 100km).

“Great dynamic ability as it blends a comfortable ride with entertaining handling and sharp, responsive steering,” said one judge. “Engine is a gem with plenty of low-rev urgency, smooth power delivery and doesn't feel as doughy as the VW because it doesn't drop into higher gears as quickly.”

The gearbox, a dual-clutch unit in both but a six-speed in the Ford compared to seven in the VW, was praised for its low-speed smoothness typically a weakness in this type of ‘box. Ford’s unit “is on-par, if not better than the Golf ” according to one judge.

Add to that the good equipment level, which includes Ford’s clever SYNC infotainment system, cheaper entry price and better ownership credentials and the underdog proved more than capable of overcoming the odds.

But having said that, the Golf put up an impressive fight.
http://watoday.drive.com.au/motor-ne...127-2y9eb.html