13 Sep 04
There are actually two chassis settings according to which trim you choose - sport and comfort. Don't get too hung up on this, as they're not far apart, and both are fine compromises. Probably the difference between 16 and 17-inch wheels is just as significant - the latter giving more grip but a small extra dose of tyre noise. The overall ride suppleness is now up with the best cars of the size.
But when you don't want the new Focus to be a darty lightweight, it isn't. There's no sense of flimsiness in the ride, no shuddering, no shake from the steering column, not much suspension noise. So in that sense it feels far more mature and solidly made than the car it replaces, and indeed plays against anything else in the class.
The range of engines is wide: 1.6 and 2.0 diesels, 1.4, 1.6, 1.6 variable-valve-timing and 2.0 petrols. We've tried the 1.6 diesel hooked up to its optional continuously variable autobox, the 2.0 petrol five-speed and 2.0 diesel with its standard six-speed manual.
