THE Focus Estate in ST-Line X trim is a brilliant example of what Ford do really well – make practical cars that are fun to drive.
This sleek machine from the blue oval badge marque will meet most families’ transport needs while providing plenty of engagement for the enthusiastic motorist.
Under the bonnet of the version I had on test lurked a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, developing a healthy 182PS, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This powertrain is a joy – the transmission delivering rapid and responsive shifting for grin-enducing acceleration.
The rotary gear shift dial at the driver’s fingertips is a pleasingly upmarket, modern touch – there are steering wheel paddle shifters if you want to take control – and the braking response matches the sharpness of the acceleration.
Meanwhile, the sports suspension is firm enough to make you feel an affinity with the road without being overly harsh and the feedback through the chunky, leather-clad steering wheel inspires confidence when cornering.
Added to all of this are three drive modes – normal for everyday driving, eco that suits more relaxed cruising and sport, which sharpens things up nicely. Given the fact that I regularly drive along winding country roads south of Glasgow, there are no prizes for guessing which mode I used the most.
And the icing on the cake was the sporty burbling soundtrack provided by the powerplant and exhausts. Officially, this Focus estate will sprint to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 135mph, and such was its agility that I frequently forgot I was at the wheel of a family load-lugger.
For the record, this model (without options), will officially average 43.5mpg, which means tailpipe emissions of 128g/km. As for family practicality, well, there is ample room for four adults on board and a low transmission tunnel means you’ll fit three kids in the back more comfortably than in many rivals.
The boot offers 575 litres of space to the privacy tray – which should be enough for the holiday luggage. If it’s not, then there is 728 litres to play with when laden to the roof.
Drop the rear seats and 1620 litres of space means you shouldn’t need to hire a van for those runs to either the rubbish tip or flat-pack furniture store.
As important is the need to keep the family entertained on their travels – and this is no problem for the ST-Line X, which comes equipped with the intuitive Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system and FordPass Connect.
These give you an eight-inch, three-way split touchscreen, full smartphone compatibility, intelligent sat nav, voice control, an emergency assistance function, access to various car settings and wi-fi for up to 10 devices.
Other driver and safety aids in this £29,045 motor include auto lights and wipers, LED front fog lamps with cornering function, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone air con and heated front seats.
Then there is pre-collision assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection and autonomous emergency braking, as well as lane-departure warning and lane-keeping aid.
Hopefully, though, your journeys will pass without incident, allowing your passengers to appreciate the cabin’s finish that features partial leather trim with red stitching. Other sporty touches include the dark headliner, alloy pedals and carbon-fibre effect detailing in an interior that feels well built.
Exterior design cues include ST-Line-specific grilles, bodystyling kit and wing badges, plenty of black detailing, 18in black alloys housing red brake callipers, a large rear spoiler and polished twin tailpipes.
So those looking on from the outside will be in no doubt about the sporty nature of this fabulous Focus, either.
Factfile:
- Model: Ford Focus ST-Line X Estate 1.5L EcoBoost 182PS 8-Speed Automatic
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
- Power: 182PS
- Top speed: 135mph
- 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
- Average mpg: 43.5
- CO2 emissions: 128g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £29,045
