My 1st Focus experience!

[prydey]

as some of you may be aware, i bought a LS focus in sydney friday and drove it home. i've always been pretty open about the fact that i'm not really a small car person, however, this car almost converted me.

its a 2.0 auto, so obviously not the best example of their capability but i was extremely impressed with how it drove, particularly out on the highway. it really didn't feel like a small car. didn't get blown around and sat very solid on the road. felt very similar to my bf2 falcon. these cars are quite heavy though, weighing in at close to 1500kg, which i would say helps to give this larger car feel.

i was forever cleaning the windscreen, until i got used to the indicators being on the other side.

the seat isn't the most comfy out there, but round town it will be fine. after 1600 odd km it was starting to take its toll on my back (lumbar). this is a base model. higher models obviously get lumbar adjustment. cruise control would've helped too as i was getting a ache in my foot/leg after a while.

they are very roomy inside. i'm 6'2 and even fitted in the back seat pretty well. they get a bit small when you pull into a truck stop in the middle of the night and try to get some shuteye. not many places to stretch out. thats not really the cars fault though!

a couple of issues. firstly - when i first put the key in and turn it, it chimes for about 6 or 7 chimes. no message appears. is this just a normal start up routine or is there a reason for the chime?

2nd- the gearbox seemed a bit 'shunty'. almost like a engine mount was busted but they were just replaced. happened at quite low speed and then at around 3000rpm on the highway. was wondering if this was some sort of torque converter operation. is the lock up very noticeable in these cars. maybe thats what i was feeling.

3rd, i noticed a groaning sound coming from passenger front when turning at low speed (car park).


what sort of economy do these things do. on my trip back, it didn't go below 7L/100km. i cross checked the trip computer with my own calculations each time i filled and it was very close to spot on. over the journey it ave 7.5L/100km. considering i was on my own with no luggage, i thought it should do a little better than that. i nudged 120 at times (no cruise - kept creeping up) but mainly sat on speed limit between 100 - 110. i was hoping it would see around 7 - 8L/100km around town at worst.

overall, i was very happy with this car. very adequate power for the job its required to do, drove very solidly and never missed a beat. this one was for my inlaws. my missus would like to get another small car and i must say, this model focus has me sold.