We still managed to reach our destination 6.6L/100 km lighter. Though impressive, that figure wasn’t enough to clinch first place in this first challenge, which went to two friendly female bloggers.
Parallel parking ain’t what it used to be
After a well-deserved meal, we headed back to town to experiment with the Focus’s Active Park Assist. I had already successfully tested it in the gargantuan Ford Flex, so I graciously let my partner take my place, as he’d never gotten the chance to use it in his previous outings.
As I’d predicted, he easily executed a perfect parking manoeuvre without even touching the wheel (though he was a little hesitant at first), simply by applying the brakes to make it all go smoothly. He got so cocky at one point that he forgot to brake to stop the car. Luckily, the ultrasonic sensors sounded the alarm, and disaster was averted.
Again, again!
After this third challenge the day took a lighter turn. We drove over to the site of the Francofolies festival (sponsored by Ford for the past several years now), to relax behind the virtual wheel of a Ken Block rally Focus in a simulator, in full view of the festival goers.
I confess, I turned in a performance worthy of Mr Block, demolishing my car a few times. The only difference being that my mistakes didn’t cost Ford a thing.
Alas, our instructive day of fun came to an end, and I had to hand over the keys to my Focus. In hindsight, I too have only good things to say about the car. I truly tried to find a few snags, but the product, considering its price and equipment, reflects the tone of our day: simply extraordinary.
Unfortunately, Martin and I weren’t crowned kings of the rally. No, that same duo of female bloggers took home the honours and a pair of iPad 2s.
We even learned a thing or two during our escapade. I, for instance, learned that it’s pointless to argue with a GPS. Martin learned that a parking assist system still requires human input, no matter how good it is.
One thing is certain though, the Focus remains a must-drive for any buyer considering a compact car. Having owned a Honda Civic for four years now, I was really able to appreciate the level of refinement of Ford’s product, which makes you feel that you’re getting more than you paid for.
Parallel parking ain’t what it used to be
After a well-deserved meal, we headed back to town to experiment with the Focus’s Active Park Assist. I had already successfully tested it in the gargantuan Ford Flex, so I graciously let my partner take my place, as he’d never gotten the chance to use it in his previous outings.
As I’d predicted, he easily executed a perfect parking manoeuvre without even touching the wheel (though he was a little hesitant at first), simply by applying the brakes to make it all go smoothly. He got so cocky at one point that he forgot to brake to stop the car. Luckily, the ultrasonic sensors sounded the alarm, and disaster was averted.
Again, again!
After this third challenge the day took a lighter turn. We drove over to the site of the Francofolies festival (sponsored by Ford for the past several years now), to relax behind the virtual wheel of a Ken Block rally Focus in a simulator, in full view of the festival goers.
I confess, I turned in a performance worthy of Mr Block, demolishing my car a few times. The only difference being that my mistakes didn’t cost Ford a thing.
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| Photo: Marc-André Hallé/Auto123.com |
Alas, our instructive day of fun came to an end, and I had to hand over the keys to my Focus. In hindsight, I too have only good things to say about the car. I truly tried to find a few snags, but the product, considering its price and equipment, reflects the tone of our day: simply extraordinary.
Unfortunately, Martin and I weren’t crowned kings of the rally. No, that same duo of female bloggers took home the honours and a pair of iPad 2s.
We even learned a thing or two during our escapade. I, for instance, learned that it’s pointless to argue with a GPS. Martin learned that a parking assist system still requires human input, no matter how good it is.
One thing is certain though, the Focus remains a must-drive for any buyer considering a compact car. Having owned a Honda Civic for four years now, I was really able to appreciate the level of refinement of Ford’s product, which makes you feel that you’re getting more than you paid for.
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