Back to the Fog lights...

[AdamW]

Just read this about the new Ford Focus:

the ring-shaped foglamps have been designed specifically to emit pure white light to reduce their dazzling effect on oncoming motorists

Now, just wondering here, but is it possible to be dazzled by fog-lights when they are used in fog? I mean seriously, why not just fit some kind of fog sensor to the car that only allows foglamps to be turned on when it is foggy?

Or possibly just a fake-Burberry detector? If anyone gets in wearing Burberry-style patterns then foglamps are deactivated and the engine output is cut to 40bhp.

Alternatively, wire in a matrix display on each windscreen that flashes "The driver of this car has no pe*is" quite dimly when the foglamps are turned on. This would be too dim to read when it is foggy, but when they are doing it in clear conditions it would be plain to see by everyone.

 

[xxxxxxrich]

ha! I was just thinking www.chavscum.co.uk as I was reading your post!

One thing though, does a Nova have more than 40 BHP anyway? I wouldn't believe what Kevin tells you, his Sterreo is also 2.5Kw
Err, 2500*.12=300Amps ..... Hmm ah so you have got a boot full of batteries too!

 

[AdamW]

Oh dear, I have a hirecar for the next few days and guess what it is:

A Ford Focus with front foglamps!!! Still, it does appear to handle quite nicely which is a surprise, every Focus I have had previously handled like a bag of potatoes in a wheelbarrow. Possibly this is to do with the fact it has 5 miles on the clock, maybe Ford have updated things.

 

[securespark]

Focus now rated quite highly by motoring hacks. Ford have pulled up their handling socks, and NVH is much reduced. (as well as handling improved)

The Focus story repeats the Escort story of 1990. The first of the 90's (H -onwards) Escorts were sh*te handlers, the latter much, much better. Drive a 1990 model to see what I mean!!

 

[AdamW]

Report on the Focus:

Drove rather nicely actually. The engine seems more responsive than the previous ones I have had (all have been 1.6 16V Zetec) especially at lower revs. The steering has a more positive feel and I reckon you could probably get some nice lift-off oversteer in the right places *.

On the negative side:
Didn't manage to get the seat comfortable
Interior still felt a bit tacky to me
The new-car smell wasn't quite right

Which makes me think it is one of two things.
1) Exactly what Simon said
2) They don't stay screwed together well for two long. Most Foci I have driven are 5000-8000 miles, this is the only new one I have had. So, if it is this then the Journalists have only driven sweet new ones like myself today.

I still have to disagree with the Journalists about it being the BEST handling car in it's class. My Astra 1.6 outperforms the Focus 1.6 in every way, including handling. It's why I bought the Astra and not a Focus!

* Do you reckon Tiff Needell goes home after filming Fifth Gear and tells his wife "I'm sick and tired of this job, all they have me do is bomb round a track pulling oversteer all day. I'm bored of doing skids, I just want to drive normally round corners."

 

[securespark]

Your "foci" is grammatically perfect, but seeing as I have grilled a toilet paper company on the benfits of Vit E to one's sphincter, do me a favour in return, Adam.

When you pick up your Dad's MGF, nip into the Ford dealer and explain you want to buy two Foci, one for you & one for your partner, and be sure to write down exactly what they say in reply.....

 

[securespark]

Also while you're out, test drive the new Astra. If you think the old model was the bees patellas, then you're in for an automotive org@sm...

 

[AdamW]

I'll have to try that. I have read some reports saying it is a technological leap and everything on it is amazing, others have said it is a rebodied Mk 4.

I will be waiting for the VXR version to come out: 235bhp, yumtastic!