Hiya Long time lurker here who's considering a newish Focus ST. I've seen the stats, seen how they perform, a friend has one he'll let me test drive but there's one thing no-one else seems to be able to tell me. I'm in the market for a new car as I wrote my last one (BMW E46 330d) off throwing it into a field.........and no doubt its safety features (rock solid build, millions of airbags, clever airbag controller, doors unlock, hazards on etc) meant I walked away unscathed. I'm not planning on doing it again but would appreciate to hear the experiences of others and how the car stood up to it. I don't want anyone to have to relive anything.........but I do want to know that should the same happen again, I'll walk away in one piece.

 

God only knows.

Hope that helps...

Seriously though:

Safety features in the new Focus

As a driver or passenger in the new Focus, you will be reassured by the 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant safety. The new Focus achieved this rating with an impressive range of smart, watchful technology including the comprehensive Intelligent Protection System (IPS).

Intelligent Protection System (IPS)
The IPS in a new Focus features innovative sensors that activate the appropriate safety systems in a millisecond, such as all-round airbags.* Whether there's one or five people travelling, IPS means your car is now even safer than ever.


Active safety features
The new Focus also features a braking system that provides total reassurance in normal driving conditions, plus the enhanced power to react swiftly when required. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is constantly monitoring vehicle behaviour, while Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) can significantly cut stopping distances by increasing the brake pressure in the case of emergency. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) provide extra confidence to help tackle more challenging conditions.


Passive safety features
Superb body strength combined with lightweight impact technology makes the new Focus one of the safest cars on the road. All new Focus models have full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as unique new 3-D shaped side airbags – designed to deliver a greater level of impact absorption, with greater depth and quicker deployment. Side curtain airbags complete the set-up, protecting occupants along the length of the side windows.

In the unfortunate event of an impact, the steering column is designed to move away from the driver's body, and the pedals away from the driver’s feet to further reduce the risk of injury. The new Focus also comes with ISOFIX fittings to fit an ISOFIX child seat for extra reassurance.


*Note: A child seat should never be placed on the front passenger seat when the Ford vehicle is equipped with an operational front passenger’s airbag. The safest place for children is properly restrained on the rear seat.

Ford site says it has a Euro NCAP rating of 5 stars!

Tim

 

Like all modern cars, they are pretty safe, you would need to be in a VERY serious accident to get badly hurt if you are wearing your seatbelt.

 

Tim, full info on the NCAP results here:

http://www.carpages.co.uk/ford/ford_...s_28_11_04.asp

 

I knew Ford would never lie...

 

Thanks I shall go look at the link Not that I want to end up on my side in a field again!

 

Well for some people including my Mrs... thats an awesome night out