First a shortlist of cars I've looked at a VW Golf Variant Ford Focus Wagon and a Renault Megane Break

First a shortlist of cars I've looked at a VW Golf Variant Ford Focus Wagon and a Renault Megane Break. Despite the fine motor (1.4 Tce) the Megane fell because of poor reliability reader experiences with French cars off. Test runs made in Golf 1.2 TSI and Focus 1.0 EcoBoost. Eventually opted for a Focus because of the equipment, the handling and the great deal. Fortunately not chosen the Golf TSI considering the problems.

I have to say I was skeptical in advance of a 1.0 liter 3 cylinder engine (okay, turbocharged) in a Focus wagon. However, the engine is very good breakfast. It's just a very nice engine. He picks up nicely, and attracts up to 6,000 rpm fine by. It is certainly no streaks trigger, but doing fine. Also on long holiday journeys. However, the typical small engine turbo features: engine braking does the car slightly and the torque at low revs you think "now comes the real power", but happens not much more. Consumption has been fantastic. On average we drive 6.3 liters per 100 km. In low motorway 6.0. On vacations 6.9. Prima numbers so. In real overdrive (on holiday it was 38 degrees with mistral against) it is sometimes inefficient (8.0). The top was (neatly in Germany) 205. In Germany, you notice that your ability is short. Remarkably, the engine is very hot quickly, sometimes riding in a few minutes. With brisk pick, you have a beautiful three-cylinder sound.

The handling of the Focus is top notch. Grip and mini roundabouts he takes with ease. This chassis is easy to much higher capacities. The steering is precise and very sturdy. Laden car remains neutral, only you miss or what capacity. The car remains in spite of the sporty chassis wonderfully comfortable. You feel what you do, but with comfort. The 16 inch (17 inch also available) that carry fixed at.

INTERIOR
Well, here you can not buy Ford. My 207 was in 2007 in chic. Many hard plastic and especially awkward shapes. Apart from the passenger seat is a kind of strut / connection that will make you want to move the seat backwards as far as possible. Very useful. In addition to a knitting buttons. Eventually you find your way in there. The bells are however beautiful and clear.

The equipment of the Focus was top for a mid-range in 2012. Automatic climate control, navigation, cruise control, extensive on-board computer, interior light (red ...), nice stereo with USB, heated windscreen, voice commands, rain sensor, automatically dimming mirror (fine) front fog lights. Fine. Setting up the navigation system is not very convenient. It is not a touchscreen everything must be completed for each letter.

Disappointing I find the chairs I find the seats a bit short, but mostly tilted too much, so I sit too long have shifted. Unfortunately, tipping is not an option in these chairs. After 2.5 years, still no good sitting posture. The best posture is the seat set far back. That goes for me for the front passenger seat. Just about the pain if you have small children with upturned highchairs.

The inside holds no further room for a drive, thanks to the specially designed dashboard. The trunk is adequate. There are a lot of pockets: fine is the large box under the front center armrest, large door pockets and cup holders fine.

COSTS
Consumption costs are so bad. Maintenance is cheaper for the Focus in Ford dealer than the Polo was at VW. That surprises me. Anyway very satisfied with the Ford Dealers (Nijmegen and Den Bosch). Been lenient with a broken driveshaft, despite more km's nevertheless replaced under warranty. The drive shaft was moreover part because of a torn drive shaft cover.

Now just bought another car: I noticed how much difference there was in the resale prices (I was looking for a Mazda 6 or Mondeo). Between the highest and lowest was fewer than 3,500.