Diesel in focus brings back the zing to driving

We like the little cocoon of ignorance that we live in, it brings us bliss, according to a popular saying.

Diesels have come a long way in the past, yet I have met scores of ignorant people out there who think that diesels are old fashioned and just do not sound right.

To some it is an emotional decision to buy petrol, but to some others it is sheer ignorance.

Now get this right. The new age diesels are clean, provide better mileage and the 'crank crank' sound they make is almost unnoticeable.

The point I am trying to make is about a vehicle such as the Ford Focus TDCi. It is the perfect diesel city vehicle and comes equipped with a 2-litre diesel engine that produces a massive 320Nm of torque. The only unfortunate part is that it is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, making it unusable for most drivers out there. But not many such cars are around either. Only about 50 cars have been brought into Thailand from the Philippines and it is likely that by the time you read this test drive, all the cars would have already sold out.

Still, I will explain the simple perfection with which the TDCi goes about doing its job.

To start off, the suspension setup of the Focus is class-leading among cars in Thailand. However, the 1.8 and 2-litre petrol engines feel absolutely underpowered to push the Focus' bulky 1,362kilograms.

The diesel unit, on the other hand, seems to allow the Focus to surf the power wave. The 320Nm of torque is spread out over a wide rpm range which in fact allows you to drive the Focus in fifth gear almost at every speed.

What you will not get from this diesel unit is the mad rush of power, which is intentionally set up to make the vehicle more city friendly.

If you are going on long drives and driving sensibly at speeds of between 90-100kph, the TDCi will return fuel efficiency figures of 18-20km to the litre, making it the ideal long distance cruiser. Never does the vehicle feel like it is lacking in overtaking power and no speed below 180kph feels unstable.

Braking too is impressive and feels confident enough to push the Focus through corners.

The diesel does not sound horrendously loud either unless you are standing outside when the car is idling. On the inside it is barely audible and does not cause any disturbance at higher speeds.

The interior is pretty much the same as in the top end 2-litre version Focus.

Quality is top notch, but interior space is lacking when compared with rivals such as Honda Civic and the Toyota Altis.

The Focus TDCi would fit in your idea of the perfect car if you, number one - like diesel performance, number two - take long trips up country often, number three - enjoy a stiff but driving-oriented suspension and number four - can drive manual geared vehicles.

The Focus TDCI will cost Bt1.05 million and if you fulfil the above criteria, it is worth every single satang.

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.