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Ford Focus Estate 1.6 Zetec

Family carrier finally arrives in the UK – and proves to be just as good to drive as hatch

Ford Focus Estate front

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Otis Clay

June 2011

The Ford Focus just got added family appeal. An estate model has joined the range – so after we drove the most powerful petrol hatch in Issue 1,170, this week we visit the other end of 
the performance spectrum and try the carrier on UK roads.  

At 4,556mm, the newcomer is 198mm longer than the standard hatch, allowing for 476 litres of boot space – that’s 113 litres more than the five-door. Fold the rear seats down and there’s a completely flat 1,502-litre area. 

The wheelbase is identical, so passengers in the back won’t find any extra room. That’s not really a problem, though, as the rear is already spacious enough for tall adults to sit in. 

While the longer body boosts practicality, it doesn’t severely impair the Focus’s looks. The front end is identical to the hatch, while the roofline is extended and the tailgate drops off steeply. 

A rear spoiler and chrome roof rails are fitted as standard, while the clever hidden fuel-filler cap of the hatch version has now been replaced by a more obvious unit. 

Our model came in Zetec spec, which sits lower down the Focus pecking order than the upmarket Titanium and Titanium X models. The door trim features a hard, scratchy plastic, but that’s the only complaint we have with the futuristic interior, which makes competitors’ cabins look dated and dull in comparison.

Despite being larger than the hatch, the estate is only 26kg heavier, so performance is near identical. Under the bonnet of our car was a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre unit with 123bhp, which delivered a 0-62mph sprint time of 11.1 seconds. The car never feels quick, and we missed the fizz of the turbocharged EcoBoost engines, but it will be enough for most drivers and it’s quiet on the move. The downside is the limited torque output – with only 159Nm on tap, you need to apply plenty of revs before pulling away.

The estate handles just as capably as the hatch, with strong body control and smooth but responsive steering. The 16-inch alloys make the ride comfortable and save it from some of the harshness that comes from hitting potholes on larger rims. 

Our biggest gripe is that the price for the added practicality is £1,100, which means our car starts from £18,600. As the standard Focus is already an expensive proposition, it’s worth considering how much you value the extra 113 litres of boot space.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Focus visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

hideous

Sadly as ugly as the hatch. I don't care how well it handles, I just couldn't bring myself to buy such an ugly car. That front view breaks all records for hideousness! Random holes and grilles all over it - yuk! The whole new Focus range looks like a throwback in time, really dull and old fashioned. Both previous models were far, far better looking.

By pajbse on 21 June, 2011, 10:55am

Please, Ford can we have this wagon in the USA? There are hardly any small wagons available here any more, now that Volvo has pulled the V50. The VW Jetta is about it, since the Hyundai Elantra Touring is absent from the '11 Elantra lineup. I'd rather have the Focus, now that it's back to near Euro spec. And where's the TD? I drove a Focus TD 5-door hatch in Germany in '97, way before we got the 5-dr in the US - and we NEVER got the wonderful TD (45mpg while cruising at 160-170 KPH on the Autobahn). Why can't we get the GOOD versions in the US?

By rotts on 21 June, 2011, 3:10pm

oh dear, oh god,

the dashboard looks even worse, even more grotesque, more bulky, more awkward, more ludicrous, than previous photos indicated. Is there no hope, can't somebody administer a dose of elegant simplicity urgently .....

By deshill1 on 23 June, 2011, 10:10pm

Old is better

I drive an eleven year old Focus wagon and I reckon its nicer to look at both in and out. Still drives like new mind.

By dolores10 on 5 July, 2011, 4:11pm

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Pictures

Ford Focus Estate front
Ford Focus Estate rear
Ford Focus Estate interior
Ford Focus estate boot
Ford Focus Estate dials

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FIRST OPINION

    Ford has succeeded in making an estate version of the Focus that feels virtually identical to the hatch. Inside, it’s quiet and comfortable – a perfect match for the load carrier’s more grown-up feel. The extra boot space is a welcome addition, but the price difference is significant considering the practical gains are marginal. Still, despite these minor criticisms, the Focus Estate is a fantastic family car. 
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £18,600
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol
    Power/torque: 123bhp/159Nm
    Transmission: Five-speed manual front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 11.1 seconds
    Top speed: 122mph
    Economy: 47.1mpg
    CO2: 139g/km
    Equipment: QuickClear windscreen, DAB digital radio, electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning
    On sale: Now
     
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