DCOTY 2013 Ford Focus

[csv8]

Winner: Ford Focus Trend

Finalist: Volkswagen Golf 90TSI Comfortline

It’s not often that the defending champion enters the competition as the underdog, but the Ford Focus Trend was facing stiff competition in 2013.
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Two years after the then-new Focus beat the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf 118TSI to take this title the German brand returned with its new Golf.

It was a straight fight between the Focus Trend and the Golf 90TSI this year and history suggested the German contender was likely to take the prize. The previous Golf had reigned supreme from 2009 until the Focus knocked it off in 2011. It seemed reasonable to think the new Golf would reclaim Volkswagen’s honour.

But this is why we test and not just assume the winner because after each car had been put through its paces and assessed against the criteria it was the Ford that triumphed again.

“It’s still a brilliant value small car, with good ownership credentials and a lovable nature,” said one judge, summing up why the Focus was victorious.

The Focus didn’t escape criticism though, most judges acknowledging that it is starting to look its age and the plethora of buttons and switches on the dashboard won’t be to everyone’s taste.

But where it mattered most the Focus ticked the right boxes. The 125kW/202Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine remains both engaging and efficient (6.6-litres per 100km).

“Great dynamic ability as it blends a comfortable ride with entertaining handling and sharp, responsive steering,” said one judge. “Engine is a gem with plenty of low-rev urgency, smooth power delivery and doesn't feel as doughy as the VW because it doesn't drop into higher gears as quickly.”

The gearbox, a dual-clutch unit in both but a six-speed in the Ford compared to seven in the VW, was praised for its low-speed smoothness typically a weakness in this type of ‘box. Ford’s unit “is on-par, if not better than the Golf ” according to one judge.

Add to that the good equipment level, which includes Ford’s clever SYNC infotainment system, cheaper entry price and better ownership credentials and the underdog proved more than capable of overcoming the odds.

But having said that, the Golf put up an impressive fight.
http://watoday.drive.com.au/motor-ne...127-2y9eb.html

[Wretched]

Well done to Ford, a well deserved win.
Looking at the other category winners, seemed a pretty good result for all.
I see a fair few of the LW+ models around.

[GQ_Smooth]

Congrats Ford, personally I thought the Golf would walk away with it (would never buy one myself). Haven't driven the current Focus, but having driven my best friends brand new Golf (purchased against my pleading), the Focus must be amazing, because the Golf was an extremely nice to drive.

Ford really need to do something about their brand. Based on the quality of their current range, they should have a much higher market share!

[SS_01]

[QUOTE=csv8;4949056]

“Great dynamic ability as it blends a comfortable ride with entertaining handling and sharp, responsive steering,” said one judge.

While I agree the Focus is great car, and a deserving winner, I do not agree with this judge at all. I took one for a spin a couple of months ago, and found the steering slow to react, and unsettling, almost like there was a delay between your input and the car acknowledging the input. It was my main gripe with the car, and a reason i wouldn't buy one personally.

[Gadgetman]

Well done! back to back is pretty impressive. Market the trend model Ford. Its pointless marketing Titaniums and we all know why you do cause its got all the gadgets etc but when people inquire and get told a titanium is $36k. They get disappointed. Market the Trend in style and do it now!!!!

[vztrt]

Does the base model golf come with Cruise or is it an option like on the trend?

[SS_01]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Does the base model golf come with Cruise or is it an option like on the trend?

Cruise is standard across the Golf Range.

[Syndrome]

The Golf VII is a better car than the Focus. Just goes to show these COTY awards do not have much credibility.

[GQ_Smooth]

Golf has hubcaps, no sensors, standard air conditions (no climate control).

[SS_01]

yeah, that is true, but they didnt really compare car for car did they, they compared based on price. The Golf they should of been comparing to is the 90tsi comfortline, which does come with everything, but its price point is much higher. The 90tsi Golf is actually the direct competitor to the Focus ambiente.

[Express]

Reading the post I thought you meant it won car of the year.

It won DCOTY – Best Small Car
Congrats.

Looking through the categories Ford had a few finalists which proves they are making good global cars.

Mazda 6 won the overall DCOTY and DCOTY – Best Family Car.
Also congratulations.



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[Focused]

Originally Posted by GQ_Smooth

Golf has hubcaps, no sensors, standard air conditions (no climate control).

The Trend only has rear sensors and standard air-con (no climate control).

[csv8]

Express. Wheels will give it too the VF !! thats a given!!!

[vztrt]

Delete

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by SS_01

yeah, that is true, but they didnt really compare car for car did they, they compared based on price. The Golf they should of been comparing to is the 90tsi comfortline, which does come with everything, but its price point is much higher. The 90tsi Golf is actually the direct competitor to the Focus ambiente.

Well I guess they are looking at it from the perspective of a buyer's budget - buyers start looking at what is in their budget first, and look at spec comparisons second.

Which is a damn sight better than that stupid criteria the NRMA award used. They tested a bottom-rung 2WD Territory against the top-spec Kia and Hyundai AWD and docked the Terri points because it wasn't as good off road

[Express]

Originally Posted by csv8

Express. Wheels will give it too the VF !! thats a given!!!

I suspect you will be proven right. Personally I believe the entry level Commodore Evoke falls short of the competition and wouldn’t be on my shopping list.



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[Mr Brooksy]

Interesting that the Trend won, as my cousin had it in the top 3 she wanted to buy, but after sitting in it liked the interior so little that she didn't bother even driving it. Her response, "it felt way too plastic!"

Shame really as on paper (Ive not driven any small car in a while as they are always too cramped at 2m tall) it was the best car in her price range IMHO.

[xr6turboford]

Originally Posted by csv8

Express. Wheels will give it too the VF !! thats a given!!!

What are you talking about they have already printed the front page for Holden to give their approval