Sporty Focus – What Makes A Decent Car for Active People?
It’s well known, among my immediate family, that I’m a quite keen sportsman. My preferred sport involves cars and engines but that can be quite expensive. So I settle for team sports. I’ve tried rugby and football. I don’t have the physique for rugby. Many of my friends don’t have time for football. I also tried my hand at tennis, but found the ball in my court rather too often and without the required answers. The one I settled on is hockey, and the equally sporty Focus complements my choice of leisure activity perfectly.
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Earlier this week, I met up with some of my team mates whom I had not seen for some time, due to the virus pandemic. We decided to meet up to go for a socially distant, prime minister-compliant hit and catch-up. Secretly, I also wanted to see how much everyone’s shape has changed during the time spent indoors. Maybe I should have more faith in my team!
Like a lot who play hockey, I have a dedicated sports bag, which carries my sticks, protective equipment and a change of clothes. Five of these bags can easily be devoured by the Focus’ boot. We’re off to a good start already. The rear seats can easily cope with three full size defenders. The suspension is strong enough to cope with 4 team mates full of beer. Plus a driver who can’t wait to get rid of them. The sacrifices we make.
I arrive at the training ground that we have selected, and of course parking space is at a premium. But the Focus’ short length means that I have much less trouble than some others who turn up at the ground in their LWB Jags and their SUVs. Wasting fuel, money and space. They worry that someone will scratch the car while they’re away. Another point to the Ford as we approach the pitch on get on with the business of playing the game. Smaller car means less space, less chance of a scratch, less expense.
Since this website isn’t actually about hockey, I won’t dwell on how well the meet-up itself went (I am pretty sure we lost). But I will talk about why the Focus makes such a good choice for the more sporty among us. I’ve already mentioned the boot, which is big enough to play a hockey match in. It’s a manual, which means your’re already moving your arms and legs before you even get on the pitch. This saves you from having to do a warm-up, as far as I’m concerned. However, since I’m still unable to move quickly a few days later, this theory may need to be revisited.
The relatively light controls mean that even if someone decides they don’t need to warm up or warm down, the drive back home is not too painful. The seats are comfortable enough so as not to cause further injury to body parts that have not been exercised for a while. Clearly this car was built by a team of Olympians, as they really have thought of everything. There is still no onboard toilet though, even if the cup holders are large enough to cope with all the energy drink a person could need. The mirrors show enough of what’s happening behind that it isn’t always necessary to completely turn one’s head if an injury makes this painful. As you may know from my parking sensor article, I do always try and turn. So far, no bumps.
I have occasionally used the Mondeo for hockey, as well as my old E36 3 series but the Focus really is the best of the lot. I don’t need the extra space in the Mondeo (even after lockdown). The BMW is so long in relation to its interior space that it just adds an extra element to manoeuvring that I don’t need. Focus has ample space and amply weighted controls. It also is relatively understated, so if you happen to upset a member of the opposition team, they won’t know which car to attack. More bonus points to Ford. Just don’t buy any of the sporty versions, ironically. Save money and go for a normal one.
What makes a great team transporter for you? Could downsizing be appropriate, to save money? Do you have an ideal car that you use to ferry team mates to events and matches? I can imagine there must be a few cars that fit the sporty transportation mantra well. I want to hear about them, although I’m not putting the ‘sporty’ focus up for sale just yet! Join the family, and let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!