2002 Focus Overview

[Spacio1]

Hi all,

 

Got very bad fuel consumption on my new focus (less than 9km), 1300km. , any suggestion to improve ?? I seldom rev above 3,000

 

Acceleration also very slow, have to rev hard to get it going (which i try not to do during run-in) , will it improves after the 1st servicing ?

 

Otherwise handling is solid and love the design, in and out

 

BTW, anyone knows how much does the 1st servicing cost at RM? Labor cost is free as claimed.

 

 

Thanks in advance

[Cool]

You car is still relative new and not pass the break-in period yet, do not stress it.

You should get better results at 5000KM mark.

 

To save fuel you can alots of things to it..

 

e.g.

Change to better spark plugs

Grounding

Magnet Thingy.

[Seansene]

Hi Spacio,

 

Your economy will improve after running in - my Focus did 10km/l when new, and now it's returning an average of 13km/l - so be patient According to other Focus auto owners, expect to get around 10.5-11km/l long term.

 

The magnets have also helped, improved my economy by 5-10%... and you can also try increasing the tyre pressure - I have 33psi front and 32 psi rear.

 

The Focus' engine doesn't have really strong low-end torque, but it likes to be revved (esp from 4-6,000rpm), so once it's run-in, you can have some fun

 

The first service at RM will basically involve changing the engine oil and air filter, will cost about $70, less if you supply your own oil. Also, bring up anything that irks you (phanthom noises, rusty drum brakes...), they will fix it for free. If not, speak to Paul, the sales manager.

Edited August 28, 2002 by Seansene

[Madarmour]

New car, virgin engine. Just like the real one, thing's a bit tight now and need some time to loosen up! Once after the break-in period, gradually work up your rpm incrementally till you reach redline and I'm sure your engine will be peach. Contrary to popular belief, redlining the engine once a while will keep it silky smooth.

 

My first tankful was 7.9km/l! Now, I averages 9.0 to 9.5 km/l.

 

One other thing. IMO, don't waste any money on any performance enhancement or fuel saving thingamajics until you've run in your car properly and have redlined the engine. Just try to keep it stock for at least 10000km. Or else, just about everything you add may give you an improvement in mileage, including a new CD or soft toy!

Edited August 29, 2002 by Mikeckchong

[Seansene]

"One other thing. IMO, don't waste any money on any performance enhancement or fuel saving thingamajics until you've run in your car properly and have redlined the engine. Just try to keep it stock for at least 10000km."

 

Agreed... that's why I waited for my mileage to stabalise over four months (12,000km) before skeptically trying the magnets, and during that time I changed nothing else so there weren't other factors coming into the equation. It was only when I saw (not felt) the changes in cold figures that I was convinced, though I'm still hard pressed to say why they should work...

[Jman888]

Hi Seansene,

 

Like Specio, me also a new Focus owner having the same problems with slow pick up and high fuel consumption. Juts want to find out if adding a K&N air filter is OK for the new car (done 1300km)? will Regent throw away the filter during the 1st servicing?

 

jman

[Jman888]

Yup, mine's on the seat, swivels up and down.

 

Hi Mike,

 

Where did you get your armrest fixed? will they have the same color to match and how's the workmanship? and of course how much?

 

jman

[Madarmour]

Mine comes with the car. So no headaches there!

[Madarmour]

How does it feel when you redlined your babe? Good?

[Seansene]

Quite a few of the Focus owners (though not myself) have K&N filters installed, I don't think it's a problem. Just inform RM specifically not to change the filter when you go for servicing. Same thing with my brake pads when I send my car for its 3rd service.

[Seansene]

Very nice, Mike. Trouble with the Zetec is it's not very charismatic in the low range, but as the needle moves up there's a sense of urgency building, with a lovely rasp above 4.5kall the way to 6.8k. Max effect in 2nd gear

[Turbobrick]

Throw in a free flow muffler at the back and it'll sound sweeter!

[Seansene]

Did someone say "free"??? I want!!!

[Madarmour]

I guess it sounds like my babe's heart. A bit sluggish until I hit 3k, when all the action starts. Maybe the next time we meet you let me experience your babe's note, as a passenger, of course!

[Seansene]

I think coming out from your babe, you'll probably fall alseep with my babe's note

[Madarmour]

Must widen the horizon, mah!

[Turbobrick]

Free as in "air can flow freely lah"

[Seansene]

Aiyah, thought what...