New against old – the just launched Ford focus must tournament which since 2006 almost unchanged built and very well established combination of Czech Volkswagen subsidiary Skoda compete. A real challenge, because has golf Octavia the sophisticated technology of the VW and is considered one of the largest in the combined compact. For this test he occurs in the new version of the Greenline, which in addition to the small 1, 6-litre diesel with 105 HP an automatic start stop feature, energy recovery during braking and roll low-resistance tires help save fuel. The Ford focus tournament is there alone on his stronger equal to large, but ten HP diesel engine, as well as a start stop system. He wants to score points with his youthful, modern appearance. Stressed fenders and a compact, high rear end contribute vigorously his more aggressive face with large air vents, slit-shaped, drawn far into the flanks luminaires.

Skoda Octavia Combi offers more luggage Darin hides a trunk with 490 liters, which is very well thanks to almost square Luke, lower loading edge and far aufschwingender flap. Who needs more space, works with simple steps of above the surface and backs the divisible back seat. So focus is in the Ford tournament a flat loading compartment with 1,516 liters. That may not offer the Skoda Octavia Combi, because here an about five inches high edge runs after the Klapperei cross through the section. Other disadvantages are rising slightly leaning back, as well as a high loading edge. Skoda Octavia offers larger capacity of up to 1.655 litres. In the load it is kilograms with 673 to 495 also clearly ahead.

Also on the space available for passengers, the Ford focus tournament draws the short straw, because it offers a worse feeling on all seats. Front the flat windshield presses the side edge of the roof, rear. In addition, foot and Kniefreiheit in the rear are not as abundant as in the Skoda Octavia. Using the newcomer affords weaknesses also. His dashboard is styled although brisk and exudes a touch futurism, but in numerous details follows the form does not function. So small buttons in the center console of their targeted handling make it more difficult. Some of them are even blank labels, for others, the tiny print requires very accurate inspection. This is also necessary to include in the small display of the clear round instruments quickly while driving details of on-board computer. Both combinations with good build quality as his body is also the cockpit of the Skoda Octavia Combi a little old-fashioned, which does not detract from its qualities. Clearly drawn instruments as well as ergonomically placed switches and buttons allow an intuitive right off the bat. The good readability also contributes back to the ease of use. With regard to the choice of materials the competitors take little. Both enjoy their inmates with Windows very well profiled, comfortable seats and pleasing. Apart from smaller detail weaknesses convinced also the processing quality.

For the engines, there are no major differences of paper after: 10 HP and 20 nm more on slightly lower speed level speak for 1, 6-liter diesel engine in the Ford focus tournament. He must bring more weight on the go but about 70 kilograms. The quiet running engine at the bottom makes the Skoda Octavia Combi with lower consumption prima with rapid start and without annoying Turbo hole. But little later the motivation is an early end, can be anyway, no talk of turning ability. Since you are glad that the circuit of long translated six-speed transmission precisely when something works slightly. Only with industrious switching it is progressing rapidly. Anders of the weaker diesel in the Skoda Octavia he runs Combi: while brummiger and comes slightly heavier in the corridors, like but with uniform, attractive force development, good willingness of rotation and the well-tuned, exact engine. Despite worse acceleration, is the Skoda spirited and can be driven switching fauler. This reflected in consumption: the Skoda Octavia consumed with 6.3 litres / 100 km half a litre of fuel less than the Ford focus – for sparfüchse a small world.

Ford focus tournament with Ford driver comfort with the more sporty handling more sporty handling, because here the focus indicates clearly the tone: he animates to researchers gait with his smooth, very direct steering and good handling. He circles around curves race with neutral Eigenlenkverhalten and shines with gently anti-lock ESP. Strong can-do brakes as less than surprise balanced suspension with their fine response assets. Skoda Octavia convinced works with precise steering and performance always stable, but in the curve Geschlängel slower than his rival. Less than that bothers his bumpy suspension and the loud unwinding, which the special tires with hard edges are not uninvolved. The Ford focus is more expensive as the Skoda Octavia, but many available assistance systems and good facilities. It is so important: new above old.