Today we will look at two well-known models among our domestic car enthusiasts and try to answer the question: which one is better?
So, Toyota Corolla or Ford Focus? What to choose? It should be noted right away that these models are, as they say, neck and neck in almost many respects. For example, the dimensions of cars or dynamic characteristics are practically the same. But there are also differences that are characteristic of each model in particular. For example, buying and servicing a Japanese car will traditionally cost more, but the Focus engine is more modern. Well, let's take a closer look.
Exterior design
Ford Focus 3
In size, the Focus is slightly larger in width, and the Corolla is longer and lower. The third generation of Focus attracts attention at first glance with its beautiful and bold body lines. A large number of owners highlighted the pleasant design and high-quality interior of the new Focus. The car inherited a small ground clearance from its earlier brother.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota, on the other hand, was criticized by many critics for its simple design, for the rustic design of the interior, which has nowhere to focus attention, but perhaps this is its strength, since practicality and clarity of functions are important to the consumer, and not their pretentious highlighting.
Estimates in statics
Classic or avant-garde
It is impossible to see anything new in the design of the Ford Focus - despite the change of several generations, the car remains as recognizable as possible and in many ways similar to its first generation. Of course, after each update, the Focus's headlights became wider and wider until they took away a significant part of the surface previously occupied by the wing, and the bumper changed its appearance, becoming more massive, and received sharp edges. However, a look at the Ford Focus from the side allows us to be convinced that we are right - the roof line and the general appearance of the silhouette are still unchanged. Ford designers introduced only two distinctive features into the new generation of the car - deep stamping running along the side at the level of the door handles, as well as a shortened trunk, giving the sedan a resemblance to a hatchback. In addition, when viewed from the rear, the very large Focus lights are also striking, which also occupy part of the space of the wings and a considerable portion of the surface of the trunk lid.
If we compare how the Focus and Corolla have changed over time, then we will find a lot more changes in the car from Toyota. As with the Ford, the overall silhouette of the Corolla's body has changed quite a bit, but all the attention has been paid to the details. If the previous generation of Toyota Corolla looked rather boring, now the car has begun to attract attention in traffic - largely thanks to the wide chrome radiator grille, which is a continuation of the sharp-angled headlights. In combination with the front bumper, it forms a clearly visible trapezoid, inclined forward, which adds dynamism to the vehicle's appearance. At the rear of the Toyota Corolla, not only complex-shaped lights stand out, but also a bumper that protrudes greatly beyond the trunk lid, and the line on the side of the body is not a stamping, as on a Ford, but a full-fledged bend of the metal surface.
Overall, the Focus looks much simpler, but if you think about future maintenance, this simplicity will significantly reduce the cost of body repairs. If you have to straighten a Toyota Corolla, the master will probably give an unkind word to the Japanese stylists who came up with all these curves. It is also worth noting that the Ford Focus has a more practical body kit, the lower part of which is made of scratch-resistant black plastic.
What is inside
After a quick inspection of both cars, it becomes noticeable that the interior picture is diametrically opposite to the exterior - once again Ford stylists relied on the interior, providing their Focus model with some semblance of an airplane cockpit. The huge center console protrudes strongly towards the interior and houses many elements:
- At the top is a multimedia system monitor, protected from the sun's rays by a visor.
- In the center at the top are the entertainment control keys.
- In the center below is the microclimate control unit, which has a contrasting shade to the main part of the cabin.
- Below is a highly raised automatic transmission selector.
The vertical deflectors of the Ford Focus airflow system, which are distinguished by unusual broken lines, look very impressive. The devices are also worthy of attention due to the use of beautiful backlighting of four scales hidden by deep visors, as well as a large monitor with very well-designed graphics. The four-spoke multifunction steering wheel of the Ford Focus is not only beautiful, but also comfortable - all the keys on it are grouped into two round blocks.
Ford's front seats are well designed - they have a moderate firmness that does not interfere with comfort, but also does not allow the seating to be too deep, which distracts from driving. But short drivers in the Focus will be disturbed by the armrest on the central tunnel due to its high location. In the rear of the Ford Focus there is plenty of space for any passengers, and the optimal shape of the cushion will allow them to stay in their seats regardless of the driving mode.
If you compare which is better, Focus or Corolla, not a single specialist will tell you - such a different approach was used by Ford and Toyota designers when creating interiors. On the one hand, the Corolla is very spacious and does not feel as constricted by the massive elements of the front panel as in the Focus. On the other hand, the boring interior clearly does not correspond to the beautiful avant-garde appearance. Dark plastic, a narrow center console, the only prominent part of which is the multimedia monitor, and horizontal air vents clearly do not contribute to the joy of owning such a car.
The Toyota Corolla seats are very good and also have normal rigidity, but the shape of their cushions allows for too much immersion, as a result of which the knees lift up. The upholstery is practical regardless of the configuration - it has a rough texture that allows you to firmly hold riders, but does not attract dirt. In the rear, the Toyota Corolla has much more legroom for passengers than in the Ford Focus, but it is undesirable for three people to sit here - the original shape of the body sides somewhat limits the width of the cabin, and the central seat is also equipped with a flat cushion, which does not contribute to achieving a normal level of comfort.
Of course, the Toyota Corolla is much duller inside, but its practical upholstery, which has a darker shade than in the Focus, will allow you to visit the dry cleaner less often. In addition, the front panel, which has straight lines, is much more convenient to care for yourself using any cleaning product. But I would like to praise Ford for its spacious rear compartment - you can take fellow travelers on the way to work.
Specifications, dynamic test
Ford Focus sedan
For the Ford Focus 3 sedan, engines are represented by the Duratec line, which allows each car owner to make a choice to suit their taste. Among these engines are two with a volume of 1.6 liters - 105 and 125 hp, then a volume of 2 liters - 150 hp. A diesel engine is also available - Duratorq, with a volume of 2 liters - 140 hp. Thanks to the most advanced technologies, these engines provide an optimal combination of power and efficiency: the average approximate consumption is 6 liters. per 100 km. The active suspension perfectly overcomes all potholes on the roads. The Ford Focus 3 sedan is equipped with a 5 or 6 mortar, as well as a PowerShift robot. By and large, the “focus guides” have no questions regarding the driving parameters; the Focus copes well with the road, the dynamism of the 1.6-liter engine (both “automatic” and “manual”) is sufficient.
Toyota Corolla 2014
The Toyota Corolla suspension has never been considered a weak point of the brand, but such a level of absorption has not yet been achieved. Even fairly large bumps do not cause any inconvenience to the riders, and with the new shock absorbers you simply forget about the “breakdown”. The range of engines has grown a little, but nothing too modern has appeared. In addition to the “mechanics”, a variant with a CVT has been released. Although the new Corolla has a more presentable appearance, which has made it possible to somewhat reduce air resistance, the “Japanese” did not go faster. Honestly, the archaic nature of the engines is the weakest point of this car. Yes, they comply with environmental standards and at the same time are quite economical, but the car is driven mainly not by ardent supporters of Green Peace, but by ordinary people over the age of 30. The Corolla is obedient and responds well to steering turns. The dynamics during acceleration are not impressive, and together with the weakest engine it is even more depressing: any acceleration when overtaking, especially outside the city, will look like an attempt to take a fortress.
What to choose
If you have to choose between a Corolla and a Focus, then it will be much easier for buyers to buy products from the American automobile industry. In addition, Focuses of those years were presented in a variety of bodies - sedan, hatchback, station wagon - which can diversify the search for the optimal used purchase or spare parts.
Therefore, if among the desires of the future owner of the 2009 sedan there is no irrepressible desire to become a “Toyota driver,” then you can quite easily turn your attention to the Ford Focus of those years. No wonder it was recognized as the 2010 Car of the Year in Russia.
Vehicle interior
There is more space visually in the Toyota's cabin, but while a small Japanese person will find it comfortable to sit, it will not be very pleasant for a person taller than average, especially in the back seat.
Salon Ford Focus 3 hatchback
Ford's interior is slightly less spacious, but at the same time it is distinguished by greater functionality and technical equipment. Moreover, the car can additionally be equipped with: cruise control, a blind spot warning system, and a car parking system. The Corolla, which professes the new corporate style introduced by the RAV4, has an updated exterior design and interior, which is radically different from the previous one.
Toyota Corolla 2014 interior
There are not many buttons on the control panel; there is a good combination of instruments, although it does allow some glare from the sun. Finishing materials seem more expensive than they actually are. The trunk volume is approximately 452 liters, which is quite acceptable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many drivers cite the advantages of the 2009 Corolla as the car’s well-tuned suspension, a successful automatic transmission that allows you to drive smoothly, excellent handling and a spacious interior.
At the same time, the owners recognized the unpretentiousness of the interior, the insignificant angle of the front overhang and the high cost of maintaining the car.
Those citizens who owned a Focus noted that the car pleased them with a good suspension, an ergonomic interior, a large trunk volume, low fuel consumption and ease of maintenance, inexpensive and “omnivorous” in terms of spare parts. In addition, a large number of trim levels and a variety of engines are a plus.
The main disadvantages were problems with the central lock freezing in winter, weak chrome plating of parts that cause rust in places of contact with metal. Owners also complained about the inadequate operation of the windshield washer hoses, which flew out of their mounts and flooded the engine.
At low speeds, the Powershift transmission is annoyingly jerky.
At low speeds, the Powershift transmission is annoyingly jerky.
At low speeds, the Powershift transmission is annoyingly jerky.
Where Ford is unconditionally strong is in driving performance. The highly informative power steering (on manual versions it is electric), high cornering stability and smooth ride deserve praise. Wherever you drive, no matter what the surface is under the wheels, the all-pit suspension guarantees a high level of comfort.
However, you shouldn’t relax, because the Focus’ ground clearance is only 130 mm (and this is without metal protection!). The car's belly scraped unpleasantly even in seemingly harmless snow ruts.
Card slots are nice. It’s bad that it’s impossible to get them out of there in “parking” mode.
Card slots are nice.
It’s bad that it’s impossible to get them out of there in “parking” mode. Card slots are nice. It’s bad that it’s impossible to get them out of there in “parking” mode.
And the chairs here are even better than Toyota’s - as if you were in the arms of your beloved. But there is no feeling of general harmony. It's a bit cramped in the Ford: your right leg rests on the well-developed center console, the voluminous front panel and door stampings also eat up a lot of space. Visibility is worse than in the Auris: the pillars are wider, the rear window gets dirty faster, and the exterior mirrors do not provide such a wide picture. And here the doors don’t slam shut so easily. And still, the Ford is more comfortable than the more expensive Toyota. The finishing materials here are nicer, the music sounds richer.
The “sport” mode is not a profanation - in it the car becomes noticeably faster.
The “sport” mode is not a profanation - in it the car becomes noticeably faster.
The “sport” mode is not a profanation - in it the car becomes noticeably faster.
If you sharply press the accelerator, the speed gain is confident even at 120 km/h (the conditions of the training ground allow you to go even faster). Moreover, without the strained howl inherent in many other CVT cars. If you press the “sport” button, the engine goes to higher speeds, giving the Auris even better dynamics. There is no need to even use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, which can be used to change virtual gears.
Content
- Why is Skoda Octavia III (A7) attractive?
- What are the advantages of the Toyota Corolla E160
- Tips for choosing Octavia and Corolla
- What to buy: Corolla or Octavia
The battle between the two C-class models is simple at first glance: Corolla is bought more often. In terms of the number of checks in the avtocod.ru service, it ranks tenth. “Octavia” is inferior to the “Japanese” by as many as seven positions and is located only on the 17th line. Over the past three months, it has been checked almost 38 thousand times, Corolla - more than 46 thousand times. Octavia is more modern, Corolla is more expensive, but more reliable and is not seen as a taxi car. Which of the two models is better to buy on the secondary market, we will understand in the article.
