Ford Focus LX 2005 review

It's not that there is anything wrong with the car (quite the contrary in fact) but we felt it just lacked character.

However, after a few days behind the wheel, we admit a growing respect for the car.

While Holden is looking to Korea to cut costs, Ford has so far opted to stick with its European-sourced range.

That will please the drivers among us, because the Euros always seem to offer more excitement in this department.

The new Focus gets the one engine across the range from the base CL model right through to the top of the range Ghia.

It's a good selling point, if the dollars are a problem, but somehow makes the sporty Zetec hatch that little less attractive.

The 2.0-litre Duratec DOHC 16 valve engine produces 107kW of power at 6000rpm (up from 96kW) and 185Nm of torque at 4500rpm (up from 178Nm).

It still lacks some response down low, but once the car hits its stride there's plenty of punch for overtaking.

Highway cruising is effortless.

Our test car was the middle of the range LX sedan priced from $24,990.

Trouble is for a little less money you can get a 1.8-litre Toyota Corolla Conquest sedan with 110kW on tap. A Holden Astra, meanwhile, costs a little more but has less power and there is no sedan – at least not in the new AH model lineup.

In terms of styling the new Focus sedan looks slicker and loses that pushed in look at the back that the previous model had.

Inside, there's plenty of room for four adults (with belts for five) and a large boot – large enough in fact to swallow the largest luggage or golf bags perhaps.

It is 140mm wider than the previous model and is 25mm longer, creating increased legroom for rear seat occupants.

Instrumentation is minimal but functional, following the Falcon trend with a centrally located volume knob.

A small trip computer display is located at the bottom of the speedo that is accessed from one of the steering column stalks.

The 2.0-litre engine is hooked up to a five speed manual box or optional sequential four- speed auto.

Our test car was the manual.

The transmission is the same as that used in the new Mondeo and Jaguar X-Type.

We found it heavy and a bit clunky at first, but it seems to loosen up with use.

The ride (and seats) are firm and the car handles very well, thanks to the excellent chassis.

Focus runs on standard unleaded petrol and fuel economy is a claimed 7.1L/100km for the manual and 8.0L/100km for the auto.

In practice our trip computer showed 9.8L/100km from the 55-litre tank, giving the car a range of about 600km.

Standard equipment includes aircondition- ing, driver and front passenger airbags, CD player and front power windows.

LX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS with EBD, front seat-mounted thorax protecting side airbags, front and rear power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and front fog lamps.