15 Feb 07
In contrast to Fords of old, the Focus feels well built. Nothing has dropped off, nothing has stopped working and nothing has started rattling. The dashboard design might be a trifle bland, but it's made of good quality plastics and it's well screwed together. The perceived quality's a match for the VW Golf, if not the Audi A3.
I'm also enjoying some of the interior details. The auxiliary port in the glovebox lets me listen to my iPod without having to resort to the FM transmitters that struggle in London. The satellite navigation system works well and my phone synchronises easily with the car's Bluetooth handsfree system. Given that my phone is an extension of my brain, the latter is hugely welcome.
The only blemish thus far has been self-inflicted. After one long haul flight too many, I managed to open my driver's door into a lamppost. The ding had to be touched up and it took at least a week for me to wipe the egg off my face.
Far from being a mainstream mediocrity, the ST is thus far proving the benefits of asking a dedicated crew - Team RS - to develop a performance model. Driving this car is like eating gourmet food in a roadside café.
