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Post by Martin on Apr 19, 2017 22:41:02 GMT
I'm in France for work for a couple of days and needed to hire a car, so good cost conscious employee that I am, I went for a small hatchback. To try and get something reasonably decent, I booked it through Sixt and was expecting a Polo, C3 or Fiesta.
I took their first offer, which is a 5 door 1.0 Fiesta 125ps, so it goes a lot better than the 1.25 Zetec I had in Holland last year. It's also a lot nicer to drive, so as was suggested at the time, I'm now sure I got a complete duffer last time.
This one must be pretty much fully loaded for a Fiesta, it looks like a Titanium and has climate, parking sensors, auto lights, ambient lighting all over the interior, folding mirrors, sat nav etc. The one thing it's missing is a 6th gear, but 5th is pretty tall, it sits at 3,000rpm at 130km/h.
The good points so far are; comfortable low speed ride, good refinement up to 70mph, feels quite agile, plenty of space up front and it did 45mpg at a steady 130kmh.
Not so good...the front seats aren't very comfortable, steering is too light, wind noise from A pillars/mirrors is poor over 70mph, it gets effected by lorries and it moves around too much on its suspension for my liking.
I've only done 120km on the autoroute so far, I will be on the RNs tomorrow so will find out more.
No pics because it was 10pm when I picked it up.
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Post by cbeaks1 on Apr 20, 2017 9:18:21 GMT
Be sure to drive it like you stole it.
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Post by ChrisM on Apr 20, 2017 12:24:04 GMT
"Moving around"..... try the optional 17" alloys and (ultra) low profile tyres.......  |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Apr 20, 2017 12:40:12 GMT
"Moving around"..... try the optional 17" alloys and (ultra) low profile tyres....... Are they in the boot and Martin hasn't noticed them? |
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Post by Martin on Apr 20, 2017 15:18:29 GMT
It's the soft suspension more than sidewall flex, I bet the 17s help sharpness less than they worsen the ride. It's actually pretty decent to drive on proper roads, wouldn't call it fun, but it's not dull either. The steering is too light, but it does flow along quite nicely and doesn't feel like it's going to throw you off the road when you turn in enthusiastically like the one in Holland did.
The sat nav screen is a joke, it's clearer to use the nav on my iPhone, but at least it has it fitted, so I'm using it. The 3 pot engine note is amusing and interesting at first, but now it's just noisy and a little irritating. The gearing is too high as well, made worse by the engine needing 2,000rpm to smooth out a bit, so it's sitting in the extra rough zone at 90kmh in 5th.
I did open the boot, all I saw was a warning triangle, I'll have a proper look for a spare wheel later.....
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Post by PG on Apr 26, 2017 10:11:34 GMT
....The sat nav screen is a joke, it's clearer to use the nav on my iPhone, but at least it has it fitted, so I'm using it. The 3 pot engine note is amusing and interesting at first, but now it's just noisy and a little irritating. The gearing is too high as well, made worse by the engine needing 2,000rpm to smooth out a bit, so it's sitting in the extra rough zone at 90kmh in 5th.... An almost heretical view on the Fiesta and the three pot engine there Martin. Very brave! |
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Post by Martin on Apr 26, 2017 12:35:44 GMT
I liked this one a lot better than the last one I drove! I don't get the general love for the 3 pot though.
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Post by cbeaks1 on Apr 26, 2017 17:12:42 GMT
This heretical post comes a close second to FB not liking the mark 1 Focus.
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Post by Martin on Apr 26, 2017 17:26:26 GMT
I had a 24hr test drive of a 2.0i Ghia Mk1 Focus and selected a 1.6 Bora from the company car list instead.....so I have form!  |
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Post by cbeaks1 on Apr 26, 2017 17:27:39 GMT
Badge snob 😡
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Post by Martin on Apr 26, 2017 17:42:15 GMT
Not true. If the badges were important to me, 2.0i and Ghia would have trumped 1.6 and Bora. I did a lot of motorway miles back then and a really nice interior and comfort were the most important things (not much has changed really). I enjoyed driving the Focus to Wales for the day, but the Bora was a nicer car to spend time in (imo). Then there was the fake wood trim.... My sister in law has a MK1 Focus (facelift), a 1.8 Ghia, which was on my recommendation as it was perfect for her. |
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Post by ChrisM on Apr 26, 2017 20:09:52 GMT
I liked this one a lot better than the last one I drove! I don't get the general love for the 3 pot though. Depends what you usually drive and can put up with..... I bet the Fiesta seems a lot noisier and less smooth than a 535d, because it's certainly not as nice a place to be for a long drive than behind the wheel of a Kuga ! Sure the 3-pot thrums a little (and a little bit more when working hard), it's probably what the motoring press would call "character". IMHO it could do with a 6th gear too especially if you do a lot of motorway miles. I also noticed last week-end that the 3-pot was a little rough after little use for about 2 weeks, but a 20-mile blat down the M3 soon restored it to normal smoothness |
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Post by Roadsterstu on Apr 26, 2017 21:27:41 GMT
Do you really still need the Fiesta?
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Post by Andy C on Apr 27, 2017 6:11:02 GMT
Do you really still need the Fiesta? I'd get rid of the kuga and keep the fiesta . Do you really need all the extra space now your kids have moved out ?? |
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Post by ChrisM on Apr 27, 2017 7:15:52 GMT
I'd get rid of the kuga and keep the fiesta . Do you really need all the extra space now your kids have moved out ?? Yes, but not as often...... a large paving slab and some other stuff went into the Kuga when it was just days old; they'd not have fitted properly in the Fiesta, in part due to the huge step in the boot when the rear seats are folded down. I also suspect that when 3-up and laden with luggage, the Fiesta won't feel anything like as sprightly as when there is just me aboard |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2017 12:28:17 GMT
Chris, I am surprised you haven't bought yourself a trailer.
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Post by ChrisM on Apr 27, 2017 12:35:56 GMT
^
.... and you wonder why I lament the fact that nobody makes something like the 2001 Galaxy I had. The only time it looked laden is when it held about 150 bricks,m a few bads ofsand and cement, other stuff and me as sole occupant on board. Even with 7 people on board the suspension never looked troubled, only the brick load did that. Seats that fold down into the floor are useless for taking the load of paving slabs, bricks etc. I want a real floor with seats that can be removed from the vehicle.... although maybe now I am getting too old for loading and unloading dozens of bricks ! The Kuga is only about 60mm shorter than that old Galaxy but is far smaller inside
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Post by Martin on Apr 27, 2017 14:38:44 GMT
Chris, I am surprised you haven't bought yourself a trailer. That's a great point. I wouldn't want to put slabs into my brand new car and a trailer will take up less space than a Fiesta, is a lot more practical and will save you a chunk of money every month. Why do you keep needing to buy bricks and slabs? Do you store all your old punctured tyres? |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Apr 27, 2017 15:10:53 GMT
This heretical post comes a close second to FB not liking the mark 1 Focus. Indeed, I found it utterly dull to drive at which point you start to notice the crappy interior and trim in desperation to find something of interest! There is absolutely no way the original Focus was dull to drive - it set the benchmark for every hatchback out there and the ones that followed. I was astounded how good it was the first time I took one for a thrash. Honest John: The styling was like nothing Ford had ever produced before and meant the Ford Focus was way ahead of the dull competition from Volkswagen and Vauxhall. But where it really shone was on the road. Agile, enjoyable and involving it was great for drivers, yet the forgiving ride and comfortable cabin meant that this wasn't at the expense of passengers.Auto Express:Auto Express readers voted the Ford Focus MkI as their top car of the past 25 years in our countdown in the 25th anniversary edition of the magazine. And while early examples now change hands for less than the cost of a McLaren F1 tyre, the car deserves its title – it redefined the family market with its superb handling, radical style and fine practicality.
.....the Focus helped establish Ford as a class leader for ride and handling – a trait that survives to this day. Beautifully weighted steering gives you real confidence behind the wheel, and the responsive chassis delivers grip and agility in equal measure. This family model can put a smile on the face of even the most cold-blooded car enthusiast..You get the drift - you can trawl the internet as much as you like but you won't find anyone with even just a modicum of soul who would describe the Focus as dull. Maybe if you drive like Miss Daisy I suppose. Fucking hell I've got my moonboots on and I didn't even own one! |
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Post by PG on Apr 27, 2017 16:35:14 GMT
This heretical post comes a close second to FB not liking the mark 1 Focus. Indeed, I found it utterly dull to drive at which point you start to notice the crappy interior and trim in desperation to find something of interest! Us heretics can all burn together. I had a Mk 1 Focus 1.6 hire car. As a B road tool it was great As a motorway car it was average. The interior was like the inside of a lego brick. And then the Mk 2 1.6 I had was pretty much exactly the same. A day in that and 200 miles of motorway driving made me want to set it on fire. But 50 miles of B roads made me rate it as a B road car. |
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Post by Roadsterstu on Apr 28, 2017 18:26:08 GMT
^ .... and you wonder why I lament the fact that nobody makes something like the 2001 Galaxy I had. The only time it looked laden is when it held about 150 bricks,m a few bads ofsand and cement, other stuff and me as sole occupant on board. Even with 7 people on board the suspension never looked troubled, only the brick load did that. Seats that fold down into the floor are useless for taking the load of paving slabs, bricks etc. I want a real floor with seats that can be removed from the vehicle.... although maybe now I am getting too old for loading and unloading dozens of bricks ! The Kuga is only about 60mm shorter than that old Galaxy but is far smaller inside This is what small vans or car versions of vans are for now. You could always buy a Tourneo Connect - the 5 seater version has removable seats! |
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Post by Andy C on Apr 30, 2017 13:13:30 GMT
Indeed, I found it utterly dull to drive at which point you start to notice the crappy interior and trim in desperation to find something of interest! There is absolutely no way the original Focus was dull to drive - it set the benchmark for every hatchback out there and the ones that followed. I was astounded how good it was the first time I took one for a thrash. Honest John: The styling was like nothing Ford had ever produced before and meant the Ford Focus was way ahead of the dull competition from Volkswagen and Vauxhall. But where it really shone was on the road. Agile, enjoyable and involving it was great for drivers, yet the forgiving ride and comfortable cabin meant that this wasn't at the expense of passengers.Auto Express:Auto Express readers voted the Ford Focus MkI as their top car of the past 25 years in our countdown in the 25th anniversary edition of the magazine. And while early examples now change hands for less than the cost of a McLaren F1 tyre, the car deserves its title – it redefined the family market with its superb handling, radical style and fine practicality.
.....the Focus helped establish Ford as a class leader for ride and handling – a trait that survives to this day. Beautifully weighted steering gives you real confidence behind the wheel, and the responsive chassis delivers grip and agility in equal measure. This family model can put a smile on the face of even the most cold-blooded car enthusiast..You get the drift - you can trawl the internet as much as you like but you won't find anyone with even just a modicum of soul who would describe the Focus as dull. Maybe if you drive like Miss Daisy I suppose. Fucking hell I've got my moonboots on and I didn't even own one! +1 . Insane comment . If anyone can name me a mainstream cheap car that rode, handled and steered better than a mk1 Focus , then I must've missed it. |
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2017 11:45:11 GMT
'Insane' does seem just a little a bit dismissive - surely we can all hold our preferences, even if they don't accord with the motoring press?
At the risk of inviting grief, I wouldn't have the E-Type anywhere near the top of my '100 Most Beautiful Cars'. I know beauty is more subjective than how we might want a car to drive/feel, but each to their own, I would have thought.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on May 2, 2017 13:09:18 GMT
"Insane" wouldn't be fair. We all have different preferences for what we look for in a car and ride and handling prowess doesn't always figure highly in some people's list of priorities.
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Post by PetrolEd on May 2, 2017 13:22:53 GMT
I'm another one who's brain was literally blown with the first Focus I drove. Ford were on a roll at the time with both the Fiesta and KA being beautifully damped but the interiors were still in the dark ages. The Focus was built better then anything in its class aside of a Golf Mk4 but had the dynamics like nothing else. Engines were still a bit shit if your being critical.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on May 2, 2017 13:36:31 GMT
I'm another one who's brain was literally blown with the first Focus I drove. Ford were on a roll at the time with both the Fiesta and KA being beautifully damped but the interiors were still in the dark ages. The Focus was built better then anything in its class aside of a Golf Mk4 but had the dynamics like nothing else. Engines were still a bit shit if your being critical. That's a good point about the Golf Mk4. The first Focus' interior was benchmarked against all the mainstream opposition from France, Germany, Italy etc and bettered them all - then 3 months before its launch the Mk4 Golf was previewed and its interior set new standards but by then it was too late to change anything in the Ford. It was still a very good interior though. |
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Post by Andy C on May 2, 2017 13:47:20 GMT
It was the utterly dull bit . What exactly was dull about the drive? Even if you don't drive with a heavy right foot ,and handling and steering feel isn't your bag , then I'm surprised the damping and ride didn't impress . All the controls were well weighted too . Again, not sure where dullness fits in .
I haven't driven anything since that came close - my 306 gave it a good go, but was ageing. The focus was a much better package
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Post by Andy C on May 2, 2017 13:51:14 GMT
Agree about the engines - looking back , the 1.4 CL I nearly bought was a terrible engine
I just couldn't afford the focus at the time
So ended up with a 306
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2017 14:30:04 GMT
It was the utterly dull bit . What exactly was dull about the drive? Even if you don't drive with a heavy right foot ,and handling and steering feel isn't your bag , then I'm surprised the damping and ride didn't impress . All the controls were well weighted too . Again, not sure where dullness fits in . I haven't driven anything since that came close - my 306 gave it a good go, but was ageing. The focus was a much better package I've never driven one, so I confess that my opinion would be utterly worthless here. All I mean is that if it didn't float Chris's boat I think we can stop short of having him sectioned! |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on May 2, 2017 14:42:15 GMT
Agree about the engines - looking back , the 1.4 CL I nearly bought was a terrible engine I just couldn't afford the focus at the time So ended up with a 306 The 306 was very good. I don't think the French have produced another car that handled so well since. A colleague had a 306Tdi and it made my Xantia feel very leaden-footed. Overall I preferred the Xantia as a long distance cruiser but the 306 had a lot of appeal. |
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