ROADFLOW - Ford Focus

2012 Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:05:00 +0000

Get a preview of the 2012 Focus here.

Volvo S40 versus Ford Focus SES

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:39:00 +0000

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'

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:56:00 +0000

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

Focus action shots in Michigan part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Automakers focus on affordable electric cars

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Article from SFGate.

Focus action shots in Michigan

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Leno's Electric Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:12:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:19:00 +0000

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

Ford Focus RS vs Nissan GT-R

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Let's get the Focus posts rolling...

Roadflow is changing to Ford Focus stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Sawadee Khrap Grungthep

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Taiwan Volvo Tractor

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:31:00 +0000

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

Taiwan Volvo Buses

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:50:00 +0000

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

Taiwan Volvo Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:47:00 +0000

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

The Perfect Storm Volvo 145

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:44:00 +0000

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

Xi'an Volvo's

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:44:00 +0000

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

Sixteen Candles Volvo 245

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Sixteen Candles. Another John Hughes movie another Volvo.

Team America V70

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:40:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:26:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Roadflow) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

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