ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE FORD FOCUS ST LINE VIGNALE
The Focus has been a popular member of the Ford range since 1999, when it became the follow on from the Escort. Recently, I had the opportunity to be re-acquainted when I spent some time with a ST – Line Vignale version, the range topper packed with lots of on board goodies.
The Focus was created under the Ford 2000 plan, which aimed to globalise model development and sell one compact car throughout the world and the first to bear the name Focus was primarily designed by the company’s German and British teams. Success was more or less instant; the decision to not name the new model Escort was taken one year before the arrival of the Focus The decision to name the new car Focus was made despite Ford’s senior management who had been planning to keep the name Escort for its new generation of small family cars. However for Focus lovers not so good news as Ford has taken the decision to cease production next year to make way for a new generation of EVs. No doubt there will be a replacement for the Focus, could the name be retained or could we even see the name Escort once again on a Blue Oval car, no doubt all will be revealed in the coming months. During the life span of the Focus I have driven all generations, a car which has proved huge for a variety of drivers and it has had its share of competition in the motor sport arena. The Vignale version arrived on the scene in 2018, top of the line and no surprise the most expensive and clearly Ford were targeting the likes of Audi’s A3, the Mercedes-Benz A- Class and the BMW I Series, three very tough competitors. I have to say the Vignale version does catch the eye with a distinctive front end and large chunky alloys; this manages to serve up a fair helping of on road presence.
I simply found this Focus model entertaining and fun to drive. For many, the ride might just be on the firm side and handling was good, the equal of many of its so called premium German rivals. I was pleased to be reunited with a Focus as many months had passed since I last drove one and it reinforced the thoughts I have always had, a practical hatchback with style.
Ian Lynas
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