ROADFLOW - Ford Focus

2012 Focus

2010-02-19T00:05:00.001+07:00

Get a preview of the 2012 Focus here.

Volvo S40 versus Ford Focus SES

2010-02-05T07:39:00.007+07:00

This isn't an in depth review. Just my thoughts after renting a S40 for 5 days, owning a Focus SES, and being an enthusiast of both Volvo and Ford cars.

I was quite surprised when my "compact" car rental on a recent business trip ended up being a S40 with about 3k miles on it. I was expecting a Corolla at best or something like that. Very happy to get the S40. I'm assuming it was the low end model, I didn't have much time to check out under the hood, there was no manual.

Typical of Volvo, the doors and trunk felt solid, more solid than the Focus.

The most surprising thing is that the S4o felt gutless, really gutless. My SES is quick to accelerate and feels much faster. Very surprising actually but aligns with a friend who says their V50 is gutless. There are times when I accidentally peel out driving the SES, it really takes off. It's fun to drive.

The S40 proximity sensor key for the S40 is weird. I would lock the car, then pull the handle and it would open. Was the car really locked? I returned later without the key and couldn't open the door. I'm not sure the proximity unlock is a good or even safe feature. I'm not sure if it can be turned off.

The S40 cloth seats are a little nicer than the SES but the dash area is similar. Some reviews of the Focus complain that the dash and console is ugly, I never thought that and the S40 isn't that much different.

There are some blind spots in the S40 that I never really got used to.

I think the SES handles better.

It was raining a lot and the wiper interval adjustment was a little confusing in the S40. Although, having a manual for the car would have helped.

Both cars have a moonroof and low profile alloy wheels.

I couldn't really figure out the bluetooth in the S40. I think I've gotten lazy with the excellent SYNC system in the SES.

Here's the specs for both cars (Volvo S40, Ford Focus).

Overall, I'm really glad I got the SES instead of the S40. The speed, handling, features, and price make it a winner. Recent Ford quality is underestimated while Volvo's is overestimated. Plus, the SES is more fun to drive!

Ford unveils 2012 Focus, designed as 'world car'

2010-01-12T03:21:00.002+07:00

Ford says new Focus designed will be top in efficiency, yet quick, responsive and quiet. Read the full story here.

Time Magazine Person of the Year Ben Bernake has a Ford Focus

2009-12-21T09:21:00.004+07:00

From page 6 of the full story:

..."He didn't study economics to get rich — he and his wife still share a Ford Focus that's not quite paid off"...

Lost Focus

2009-11-24T07:52:00.004+07:00

The final season 6 of Lost is starting in a few months. It should be awesome. This guy looks like he's getting shot loading his groceries on the show.

FORD INVESTS $550 MILLION TO BUILD NEW GLOBAL SMALL CARS, ELECTRIC VEHICLE AT MICHIGAN PLANT

2009-11-13T01:56:00.003+07:00

This isn't exactly new news but it's still interesting. Read the full announcement here.

Focus action shots in Michigan part 2

2009-11-03T09:13:00.000+07:00

Automakers focus on affordable electric cars

2009-10-24T09:20:00.002+07:00

Article from SFGate.

Focus action shots in Michigan

2009-10-23T00:51:00.003+07:00

Leno's Electric Focus

2009-10-08T04:12:00.001+07:00

Top 10 European Cars Not Sold In the U.S.

2009-10-04T04:19:00.002+07:00

At #7 is the Focus RS. Article from Popular Mechanics.

Ford Focus RS vs Nissan GT-R

2009-09-29T22:44:00.002+07:00

Let's get the Focus posts rolling...

Roadflow is changing to Ford Focus stuff!

2009-09-27T01:13:00.005+07:00

There are a few reasons for this. But first let me state that all existing Volvo posts, labels, and links will remain. Roadflow gets tons of hits for everything from OBD-II to Volvo movie info. Rest assured these will all remain here.

I've been in the market for a new car for a while. I wanted something small, fun, fuel efficient, and able to carry a little bit of cargo. The C30 was a top candidate. However, upon further inspection and research. I decide it was too expensive and the cargo area was inadequate.

So, despite being a Volvo enthusiast and owner of many Volvo's through the years, I sought out an alternative. The Honda Jazz (Fit) was looking to be a good choice. But, the Ford Focus won. I am super happy. The car is everything I want. Fun to drive, great cargo area, fuel-efficient, and more than half the price of a C30!

It's been a lot of fun to write about Volvos over the years and I'm looking forward to doing the same for the Ford Focus.

Switch

2009-07-18T21:44:00.003+07:00

Sawadee Khrap Grungthep

2009-06-29T13:22:00.000+07:00

Taiwan Volvo Tractor

2009-06-26T08:31:00.000+07:00

This tractor was in a sketchy looking position ripping apart a freeway interchange.

Taiwan Volvo Buses

2009-06-22T07:50:00.000+07:00

Taiwan is a surprisingly enjoyable and scenic destination. There's no shortage of Volvo buses either.

Taiwan Volvo Shop

2009-06-19T06:54:00.000+07:00

Here's some Volvo shops in Taipei, Taiwan. I was lucky to get a shot with the Taipei 101 building in the background.

Chiang Mai Volvo Dealer

2009-06-17T07:47:00.000+07:00

Here's a Volvo dealer in the great city of Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Perfect Storm Volvo 145

2009-06-15T13:44:00.001+07:00

I think The Perfect Storm is an overrated movie. There's a scene with a Volvo 145 in it though.

Xi'an Volvo's

2009-06-09T05:44:00.000+07:00

Here's a S40 in the amazing walled ancient city of Xi'an, China.

Sixteen Candles Volvo 245

2009-06-07T08:03:00.001+07:00

Sixteen Candles. Another John Hughes movie another Volvo.

Team America V70

2009-06-04T08:40:00.000+07:00

If the V70 model in the movie Team America still exists, then it might be a collectors item. I wonder what happened to all the items from the movie?

Siam Paragon Volvos

2009-06-01T09:26:00.001+07:00

The Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok recently had a temporary Volvo showroom setup on one of the floors. I spent some time checking out the cars and the C30 in particular. It was comfortable and felt solid, like other Volvo's I've had. The back hatch was surprisingly small and limits what can be put in despite having room inside. Also notice the price tag of nearly 2 million baht. That's close to $60k US dollars! Much of that price increase is import tax.

Pretty in Pink Volvo 142

2009-05-28T00:10:00.000+07:00

John Hughes movies are great. Pretty in Pink is just one and here's a Volvo in it.