If you haven’t looked at Ford lately, look again
Nelspruit Ford is celebrating 10 years at its current location in Riverside and to support this Autodealer Lowveld has decided to present you with a short overview of the products that editor Matthys Ferreira drove over the past year.
Ford Focus
“The 2015 Ford Focus is new, but still Focused”. This was our headline on July 26 followed by the observation that the Focus is an excellent family car with a nippy enough engine to satisfy most drivers. The test vehicle was kitted with Ford’s now legendary 1,0-litre engine which produces an astonishing 92kW and 170Nm. The exterior design of the new Focus is more edgy without creating the perception of it being over-designed or an after-thought.
The interior ergonomics is intuitive and driver focused and the detailing, in particular, is not as in your face as it used to be. Huge in my mind, is the rear seats that can be pulled up and forward towards the front-seat backs to create a flat bottom luggage space. The Focus delivered an impressive fuel index of six litre/100km for the test period. This was accompanied by solid and confident road manners contributing to the final conclusion that the Focus offered a very good family-car alternative.
Ford Fiesta 1,0-litre
Although Autodealer Lowveld has tested the EcoBoost before, the test vehicle in this instance was the automatic derivative. “Today’s miracle is tomorrow’s history”, was the headline on June 9. The Ecoboost engine has won numerous awards. In fact, it is probably unmatched in it’s category and believe it or not, even with it being as good as it is, Ford was already at that time working on new technology called “cylinder deactivation” which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by yet another six per cent so, our headline was quite appropriate.
The Fiesta offers one of the best driving experiences in this class and it is the result of the total package rather than just one or two specific elements. The engine and six-speed dual clutch power-shift gearbox combination delivers super smooth gear changes with crisp performance which will even teach those Miss Daisy drivers that they are in fact not so Miss Daisy. The Fiesta does what it does – provide an exciting drive for the young at heart even if that heart is well-matured.
Fusion
Large, planted and the 2,0-litre engine kicks like a mule, was my impression after I had driven the Ford Fusion. The car signalled Ford’s return to the large luxury saloon car segment. A fellow motoring journo describe the Fusion as “je ne sais quoi” also referring back to the heydays of the Granada and the rest. Large, low slung and coupé-like with superb finish, fit and comfort, the Fusion with its 2,0-litre power plant delivering 132kW and 400Nm can confidently step into the executive car segment. It also confirms Ford’s Most Innovative Volume Brand Award for 2015.
Ford Tourneo Connect
We drove the Tourneo in April 2015 – our headline was “Mundane looks but what an awesome drive”. My wife, Annalize aptly remarked, “Dit is soos om ‘n babygrowtjie aan te trek,” meaning the Tourneo is snug and extremely comfortable. It may not be beautiful – initially, but it will become one of your most-loved modes of transport. The excitement of the Connect lies with the many possible interior configurations, twin sliding doors, a whopping 2 761 litre’s of space depending on the configuration and its car-like driving experience.
It is available in three spec levels in either short- or long-wheel base kitted with a 1,0-litre or 1,6-litre Ecoboost engine depending on your preference. Autodealer Lowveld’s fuel index during the test drive registered 6,5litres/100km.
Ford Ranger XL
It is of course no secret that the Ford Ranger is a very serious competitor in the bakkie market. The product range is extensive. So it is highly unlikely that you will not find a Ford Ranger to suit your particular preferences. The new Ranger is 19 per cent and seven per cent longer than the previous model.
Autodealer Lowveld just drove the XL D/C 4×2 kitted with the 2,2-litre TDCi engine. The latter produce 88kW and 285Nm mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Although offering less luxury features, the XL still offers all that is required from a workhorse cum family vehicle. Its torque range ensures quick and comfortable pull off – changing from 1st to 5th in quick succession to enable town cruising at 60km/h at around 1 700r/min. On a short dirt trip, it proved quiet, stable and confident. But then, this is what one would expect from a Ford Ranger?
Have you driven a Ford lately?
