Ford Focus Cabriolet

Text: Jorg Maltzen / Photos: Auto Bild

15th September 2006

	There's no doubting the build quality, either. The three electric motors work in near silence, while the car's trip computer provides a countdown to show exactly how long the transformation from coupé to cabriolet will take

The newcomer is the firm's first family drop-top since the original Escort Cabriolet's long and successful production run ended in 1999 - and what a difference seven years makes! Gone are the fabric roof and cramped rear seats. Instead, drivers now get a folding metal top and one of the most luxurious cabins ever seen in a Focus.

However, the newcomer has still stirred some controversy. First of all, the four-seater CC is one of the most expensive family Fords ever. Set to go on sale in October, it is being aimed at the VW Eos and Vauxhall Astra TwinTop.

Designed by Pininfarina, our entry-level 145bhp 2.0-litre CC-2 will cost a huge £17,795, while flagships tip the scales at £20,210. That seems expensive compared to the excellent value offered by the Focus ST hot hatch.

In the Ford's defence, prices are competitive, and you can certainly see where the money has been spent. The model's exterior is swathed in chrome detailing, and there are revised rear lamps. Smart foglights plus a dramatic new grille complete the package.

Yet despite all this, there's no escaping the car's profile. By choosing a two-piece folding roof, rather than a three or even five-piece arrangement, engineers have been forced to pay the price with the styling. The long rear overhang and deep deck look slightly ungainly when compared to the svelte alternatives.

Still, Ford defends its design, pointing to the 534-litre boot capacity, plus the lid's reduced build cost (which has enabled the firm to create the luxury cabin) as well as greater performance and expected reliability. Not only does the top take only 25 seconds to complete its operation (that's around 10 seconds quicker than the Astra's mechanism), but fewer moving parts will mean less ultimate wear and tear.

There's no doubting the build quality, either. The three electric motors work in near silence, while the car's trip computer provides a countdown to show exactly how long the transformation from coupé to cabriolet will take.

So far, so good - but how does the Focus perform? Quite simply, it's very impressive, with the chassis quality shining through. There's little body shake, while the ride is supple enough to prove comfortable, yet firm enough to feel sporty. The brakes are powerful and the steering accurate. And with the roof up, this model is every inch as refined as a regular Focus hatchback.

The engine is not the smoothest or quietest in the class, but it does pull strongly at high revs, while its combined economy of 37.6mpg will ensure relatively infrequent stops for fuel.

So, £17,795 seems a reasonable price to pay for a car which adds so much to the basic Focus package. In its bid for victory in such a competitive class, the new Ford has to be in with a shout. We can't wait to pitch it against its rivals.

First opinion
With its upmarket and spacious interior plus generous practicality, the Focus CC is set to make a real impact in the four-seater cabrio class when it arrives in October - despite its apparent high cost and two-piece roof. The car is every inch the polished performer we expected it to be, and the quality of the standard Focus on which it's based is felt in virtually every corner.