Review: Ford Mk.1 Focus (2002-05)

Review: Ford LR Focus (2002-05)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the Ford LR Focus was available as a sedan or hatchback (three- or five-door). The front-wheel drive Focus was powered by either 1.8- or 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and the range initially consisted of CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia variants; a limited-run SR variant was also released in April 2004. While the Focus Zetec was manufactured in Saarlouis, Germany, all other LR Focus variants were manufactured in Valencia, Spain.

Compared to the Mk.5 Laser which it replaced, the Mk.1 Focus hatchbacks were 98 mm shorter (at 4152 mm), 6 mm narrower (1699 mm), 20 mm taller (1430 mm) and had 5 mm longer wheelbase (2615 mm). Relative to its hatchback counterpart, the Mk.1 Focus sedan was 210 mm longer (at 4362 mm), though the other dimensions were unchanged.

The Mk.1 Focus had MacPherson strut front suspension and ‘Control Blade’ multi-link rear suspension which combined the packaging of a trailing arm with the geometry of double wishbone rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Focus CL included a driver’s airbag, anti-submarining front seats and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Focus LX and Zetec were further equipped with a front passenger airbag, ABS and electronic brake force distribution, while the Focus Ghia added front side airbags.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a five-door Focus hatch fitted with a 1.6-litre engine – and equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.15 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, while chest protection was marginal for the front passenger.

Features: Focus CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia

Standard features for the Focus CL included a four speaker sound system with CD player, steering wheel audio controls, front fog lamps, remote central locking, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows and an immobiliser.

The Focus LX was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and front power windows and power adjustable door mirrors with heating. Beyond this, the Zetec added 16-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome-tipped exhaust.

Compared to the LX, the Focus Ghia featured added a six-stack in-dash CD player, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, cruise control, rear power windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment and a trip computer. Visually, the Ghia was distinguished by its body-coloured grille; inside, there were woodgrain and chrome interior highlights.

2004 Focus SR

In April 2004, the limited-run Focus SR was released. Based on the CL, the SR added air conditioning and 15-inch alloy wheels.

2004 Focus Zetec R

In October 2004, a limited-run ‘R’ edition of the Zetec hatchback was released. Compared to the standard Zetec, the Zetec R featured 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 Goodyear tyres, a leather-wrapped gearshift and hand brake, carpet floor mats, scuff plates and aluminium pedals for manual models. Visually, the Zetec R could be identified by its front and rear bumper and side skirts, larger rear spoiler and ‘R’ decals.

Related links

• Specifications: Ford LR Focus (May 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Ford Mk.1 Focus