Craig01 Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 I've done a video review on the MK1 and Mk2 on my channel if you want to check it out. It's what I do at weekends, keeps me out of trouble. Mostly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRedman Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 Have to agree with that I had a mk1 1.6 Zetec and now 2.0 ghia mk2 power is about the same! Good work by the way 2005 2.0L Petrol Focus 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linds Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Two very engaging and entertaining videos ... despite the fact I drive a diesel that's making you (indeed, us all) ill (with worry ... as much as NOx!), I thoroughly enjoyed them and hope you'll tell us when you review the Mk 3/3.5. Sure someone will let you test drive theirs!? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paladine Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Very enjoyable videos - as a first time Focus owner (just two weeks now) with a MKI Diesel, I have to say I am enjoying the experience. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 I think he's got the comparison fairly right although I'd disagree with some of his comments about the Mk2. We currently run an 11-year-old facelift Mk1 and a four-year old facelift Mk2 and, as I've stated in other threads on this forum, I think Ford really took a step backward. In my opinion a lot less care has gone into the interior design of the Mk2. It's much less practical, for example the door pockets are now so small as to be almost useless, the drinks holders have shrunk, the interior looks more hard and plasticy (as he said), the switches and door handles feel less robust (the indicator stalk has a horrible plasticy 'clicky' action) and the overall layout looks much less harmonious and stylish. I really dislike the Mk2 instrument panel. To me it looks cheap and tacky. There's far too much silver. By comparison the Mk1 looks quite refined with all the instruments clear and uncluttered and the warning lights arranged where they will easily attract attention. The indicator repeaters on the Mk2 don't exactly jump out at you and the clicks are so quiet they're drowned out by the higher noise level (see below). I also find the road and wind noise levels in the Mk2 are greater than the Mk1, although admittedly that's not comparing like with like as the Mk1 is a Ghia and the Mk2 a Zetec so I guess the Ghia may have more soundproofing. The Mk2 feels more nimble than the Mk1 but, again, that's a slightly unfair comparison as the Mk1 has done about 120K and is a diesel estate while the Mk2 has 30K on it and is a petrol hatch. These are just my opinions. Others will, no doubt, disagree. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 Welcome to test my mk2.5 Focus anytime the mk2.5 has more insulation in doors and dash to reduce road noise which was a reported problem on the mk2 My particular model has had some improvements made to the dash such as custom heater controls, laser cut brushed stainless steel parts and of course the ST gauge pod fitted. Handling has also been improved by fitting the Ford approved Eibach 35mm lowering springs and ST 18x8" alloys the focus now has much more grip on corners. Braking also improved having fitted EBC GreenStuff pads and grooved discs, Entertainment has been improved by a full aftermarket install of JL Audio Speakers & amps aswell as reverse camera, in car WiFi, DVB, DVD and amazon Fire, viewable on front or rear screen My Build Thread is: https://t.co/Vj6Iffk2F6 Also self created Guides: https://t.co/dfJ91XboRo 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig01 Posted November 8, 2015 Author Share Posted November 8, 2015 I think he's got the comparison fairly right although I'd disagree with some of his comments about the Mk2. We currently run an 11-year-old facelift Mk1 and a four-year old facelift Mk2 and, as I've stated in other threads on this forum, I think Ford really took a step backward. In my opinion a lot less care has gone into the interior design of the Mk2. It's much less practical, for example the door pockets are now so small as to be almost useless, the drinks holders have shrunk, the interior looks more hard and plasticy (as he said), the switches and door handles feel less robust (the indicator stalk has a horrible plasticy 'clicky' action) and the overall layout looks much less harmonious and stylish. I really dislike the Mk2 instrument panel. To me it looks cheap and tacky. There's far too much silver. By comparison the Mk1 looks quite refined with all the instruments clear and uncluttered and the warning lights arranged where they will easily attract attention. The indicator repeaters on the Mk2 don't exactly jump out at you and the clicks are so quiet they're drowned out by the higher noise level (see below). I also find the road and wind noise levels in the Mk2 are greater than the Mk1, although admittedly that's not comparing like with like as the Mk1 is a Ghia and the Mk2 a Zetec so I guess the Ghia may have more soundproofing. The Mk2 feels more nimble than the Mk1 but, again, that's a slightly unfair comparison as the Mk1 has done about 120K and is a diesel estate while the Mk2 has 30K on it and is a petrol hatch. These are just my opinions. Others will, no doubt, disagree. Agree totally on the interior, I much prefer the MK1 just looks that bit more interesting the MK2 just feels much more plain to me. I actually prefer the stalks on the MK2 they feel a bit more damped to me but it's not that big a deal. Either are better than my 205 (also on channel) which has stalks that feel like they come from the rocker switch on a Fisher Price toy. One thing I would say about road noise is how much of a change tyre choice makes. I had a MK1 and the previous owner had fitted Sunny brand tyres which were awful, it actually sounded like there was an issue with wheel bearings, as soon as I got rid of them for Dunlop SP Sport the road noise was massively reduced. Also when I bought my MK2 the Ford dealer fitted new tyres on purchase (and did a 'full service' which I just found out actually consisted of just an oil change) which were the ironically named 'Autogrip' swapped them out and fitted Goodyear Efficientgrips and the difference is huge to road noise. (and under-steer) I've heard a lot about wing mirror wind noise on the MK2, mine does not seem to suffer from this but maybe as it's a 'late' MK2 they had sorted the seal out? Not sure... To me the MK1 feels a bit more nimble though, while the MK2 feels more 'planted' but like you say this could be down to individual cars and the state of things like suspension bushes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted November 8, 2015 Share Posted November 8, 2015 The mk2.5 has more insulation in doors and dash to reduce road noise which was a reported problem on the mk2 Mine's a facelift Mk2 (Mk2.5) and definitely has more road and wind noise than our facelift Mk1. One thing I would say about road noise is how much of a change tyre choice makes. I had a MK1 and the previous owner had fitted Sunny brand tyres which were awful, it actaully sounded like there was an issue with wheel bearings, as soon as I got rid of them for Dunlop SP Sport the road noise was massively reduced. The Mk1.5 has cheap budget tyres all round. The Mk2.5 has Contis which were original fit. I just had 2 new Contis on the rear and the old rears moved to the front to keep the same on all axles. There is no question that the road noise is greater in the Mk2.5, making conversation difficult and trying to listen to the radio a waste of time. Very disappointing!. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig01 Posted November 9, 2015 Author Share Posted November 9, 2015 Ah, I don't think I noticed the change in road noise as much between the MK1 and MK2 because the MK2 seems so quiet compared to my Clio 182 and 205 GTi. The MK2 is comparatively serene in my fleet! I'll have to get out a dB meter, be interesting to find out how much of a change there is between MK1, 2/2.5 and what/where they placed the extra sound deadening. Wonder if it's something easily sorted/improved with some well-placed Dynamat style stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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