Ford Focus Zetec vs Estate vs MPV vs SUV Cars

Understanding the different types of cars for sale can be difficult. Not only are you spoilt for choice with different types and sizes of cars, there are so many trim and engine options. It's difficult to compare like with like and you could end up comparing apples with oranges.

Fortunately car manufacturers make several types of cars on the same platform with the same trim and engine options so a fair comparison can be made to discover the differences and similarities.

But first, what do different car types promise? A hatchback - Ford Focus - was said to be the car for everybody in that it met most needs. An estate car is a versatile load carrier. An MPV is a people carrier. Most SUVs are more an expression of lifestyle than sports utility vehicles to transport you into the wilderness to fish, shoot and hunt. Traditional SUVs are in decline, premium SUVs are still in demand with Crossover SUVs surging in the fun and fashion market.

Ford make a hatchback, estate, MPV and SUV on the Ford Focus platform for sale with similar if not the same engine options and trim levels. The new Ford Focus Zetec hatchback seems the most interesting. Diesel engines are ever more popular especially as they make MPVs and SUVs more viable. So it's worth looking at the Ford C-Max diesel and the Ford Kuga mpg.

Lets look at overall size, space, mpg, VED bands and performance. They all have the same level of safety and the Focus has a good reputation for durability and reliability. Style and comfort are matters for your personal taste. It's also very important to get insurance quotes.

A Ford Focus hatchback is 4.36m long, 1.82 wide, 1.46 wide. A C-Max MPV is 4.38, 1.86, 1.63. A Kuga SUV is 4.4m long, 1.84m wide, 1.71m high. An Estate is 4.56m long, 1.82m wide, 1.48m high.

You can see there's no material difference in the length of the hatchback, SUV or MPV, they're almost identical. The estate is longer. They're all the same width. The MPV and SUV are higher giving easier access and promising more interior space and versatility.

With the 5-seats up the longer estate has a load space of 476L, the MPV 432, SUV 360 and hatch 316. When you fold the rear seats and the vehicles cease to be family vehicles the MPV has a maximum load space of 1732L, the estate 1502, the SUV 1355 and the hatch 316 litres. You can see the estate car and MPV are winners and may think the SUV less than you might expect.

The Focus, estate, C-Max and Kuga are all available with the same 2.0 TDCI 140 diesel engine. Is there any difference in mpg, emissions and performance?

The hatchback and estate both return a combined 56.5 mpg and the MPV 55.4. There will probably be no difference on the road. The 2WD Kuga only returns 47.9 by comparison which amounts to a money difference over 12,000 miles.

The hatch and estate have the same emissions, the MPV goes up a band and the 2WD SUV up another two on the MPV. The difference only amounts to pennies per week.

The hatch does 129mph and hits 62mph in 8.9 seconds. Estate 129/9.1. MPV 125/9.8. 2WD SUV 116/9.9. They're all quick and any differences means little on the road. You might feel you're pushing the SUV on high speed EU roads.

To sum up they're all a similar size. The MPV and estate have more load space both with seats up or down. There's no significant difference in the fuel consumption of the hatch, estate or MPV. You return significantly less with the SUV. There is a difference in emissions and VED costs but only pennies. They're all quick but the SUV less fast.

So how much do they cost today in Zetec trim?

New Ford Focus Zetec 5 door 2.0 TDCi 140 6 speed £19495
New Ford Focus Zetec 5 Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 6 speed £20595
Ford Kuga Zetec 5door 2.0 TDCi 140 2WD 6 speed £21505

The C-Max is only available as a Titanium with a 2.0 TDCi at £21200. A Titanium costs £1500 more than Zetec so a Zetec would be £19700.

Obviously the Ford Focus hatch is the most cost efficient if the interior space is all you need. If you need the extra space with hatchback engine efficiency then the estate or MPV seem value to me. The MPV has easier access and a feeling of spaciousness. The estate has a lower centre of gravity. As for a SUV I don't get it. Mind you I never did so don't take any notice of me.

By the way if you're considering a diesel engine work out if the added cost of the car and diesel fuel is paid back by saving in fuel consumption and VED costs.

Regards
Ralph