2011 Ford Focus Hatchback Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

The 2011 Ford Focus Hatchback really should be more popular than it is. The best handling in the class, the Ford Focus Hatchback also rides comfortably and cruises quietly. Bring in the attractive pricing and the 2011 Ford Focus Hatchback makes a lot of sense.

2011 Ford Focus Hatchback quick specs

Body Style	Hatchback
Class	Mid-size Family
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Ford Focus Hatchback ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

The 2011 Ford Focus may not be the finest-looking mid-size hatchback around, but it looks neat and inoffensive, if not likeable. Ford gave the Focus Hatchback a mid-term facelift in 2008 to sharpen up its looks. In line with Ford's Kinetic Design language, as seen on the Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX, the key changes include a trapezoidal grille, swept back headlamps, a more contoured rear end, restyled tail lamps, and bolder wheel arches.

Handling

The 2011 Ford Focus Hatchback handles in a manner not unlike the Volkswagen Golf, combining fine body control and loads of grip with a steering that is ultra-accurate and communicative. The superb driving dynamics mean the Ford Focus Hatchback is fun to drive down that winding stretch of road. Handling wise, both the Focus and the Golf share the lead at the top of the class.

Comfort

Capable in minimising body movements, the suspension is also well-tuned to insulate occupants from poor road surfaces. Cabin refinement is accomplished, with little engine, wind or road noise at cruising speeds. The dashboard boasts clear-to-see dials and displays, and clearly labelled controls which are simple to use. The comfortable driving position comes with seat-height and two-way steering adjustments, which should make life easy for most people.

Quality + Reliability

The cabin represents a big step forward from the previous-generation Ford Focus. The well-finished and solidly put together cabin exudes a quality feel. Ford has however chosen hard plastics for use in some areas including the centre console. Ford is an established brand name, and we expect the sturdy cabin construction and proven mechanicals to remain reliable.

Performance

Only one engine is available: an in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve 2.0-litre producing 143 bhp and 185 Nm. Paired to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift, the 2.0-litre puts in a refined and keen on-road performance, reaching 100 km/h from rest in 10.7 seconds.

Roominess

Front and rear occupants get good head- and leg-room, and a boot that is reasonably large and well-shaped. The 396-litre boot can be expanded into 1258 litres of loading space using the split-fold rear seats.

Running Costs

Running costs are reasonable, thanks to the 12.5 km/litre fuel economy, affordable servicing costs, and respectable depreciation. That said, similarly priced Japanese sedan rivals, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis, hold on to their value even better.

Value for Money

The 2011 Ford Focus Hatchback, along with the Volkswagen Golf, are about the best hatchbacks in the mid-size segment. But the Golf is priced out of contention, leaving the Ford Focus Hatchback toe-to-toe with highly popular Japanese sedans such as Honda Civic and Toyota Altis. Under comparison, the 2011 Ford Focus Hatchback emerges as the best handling, and actually has pricing advantage on its side. The only reason why the Ford Focus (hatchback or sedan) is not selling anywhere near as well as the Japanese boils down to perception and branding—Malaysians' unwavering confidence in the Honda and Toyota brand, that is.

Equipment

The 2011 Ford Focus Hatchback comes with standard items including 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors, power door locks, power side mirrors, power windows with one touch up/down and anti-jam function, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, 2-DIN audio system with radio, MP3 functionality, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. Safety equipments include dual front airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Environment

Carbon dioxide emissions of 189 grams/km and fuel consumption of 12.5 km/litre are average by class standards. Japanese rivals are more efficient and less polluting to run. Ford can lower emissions and improve fuel economy by offering one more gear ratio, like in the Honda Civic.

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2011 Ford Focus Hatchback Review

2011 Ford Focus Hatchback at a glance