Ford Focus Estate 115PS 1.6 TDCi Zetec
Car review: SAM HARDY
What is it?
The mid-point in the Ford Focus Estate range – and the sweetspot of the line-up. It has a 115PS 1.6-litre diesel engine which strikes a great balance between performance and economy. Based on the same platform as the hatchback, the Estate adds 20cm to the body length and is much more spacious. Prices are steep though – our Zetec-trimmed car cost £19,895.
What’s hot?
- That big boot, which has an extra 160-litres of space compared to the hatch…
- …and extends to 1,502-litres, only 50-litres less than an Astra Sports Tourer
- The 1.6-litre diesel is flexible and has 285Nm of torque so overtaking is simple
- It returns an excellent 67mpg and emits just 109g/km
- It’s quiet and comfortable at speed, while the chassis is sporty and fun
- There’s more headroom in the back thanks to the high roofline…
- …and the estate is a good looking car
- Zetec comes with 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and stop-start
- The driver assistance package adds lots of big-car options including road sign recognition and lane assist too
What’s not?
- Handy boot dividers, rails and trays are a great idea but cost an extra £215
- Add an Appearance Pack, which costs an extra £525 and brings 17-inch alloys and privacy glass…
- …and it’s easy to push the price past £20,000
- With thick rear pillars and that extra body length it can be tricky to park
- Those triangular air intakes at the front look awkward
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
The 115PS 1.6 Zetec is the best Focus Estate in the range. In a business car comparison it’s not a class leader in terms of space, but it is at least on terms with its rivals (something you can’t say of the hatchback which has a small boot) and with an enjoyable driving experience, good looks, low company car tax and running costs, the Focus Estate is a strong package for business drivers.
(So good that we made it our Best Company Car this year, even if that was in the form of the extraordinary 1.0 litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost version.)
The low down: Ford Focus Estate 115PS 1.6 TDCi Zetec
| P11D Value | £19,840 |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £243 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Tax Bands 2012/13 to 2014/15 | 15%, 16%, 17% |
| Benefit in kind 2012/13 to 2014/15 | £2,976, £3,174, £3,373 |
| Engine | 1.6 litre 4 cyl turbocharged diesel |
| CO2 Emissions | 109g/km |
| Power/torque | 115HP/270Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed | 11.1secs/120mph |
| Economy | 67.3mpg |
