In fact, there are two types of compact cars listed in this list. One is the "A sedan" as a global model, which is between a small car and a B-segment car, with agile handling and suitable for young people.
On the other hand, there is the group of "Chinese-style compact cars" that are popular in the Chinese market, or we can call them "practical compact cars". They are intended for families with children from the start, often with plenty of space and motivation that doesn't matter, Most of them are equipped with old 1.5L or 1.6L engines, accelerating to 100 kilometers in 11 seconds; they have no characteristics in handling, cost-saving torsion beam rear suspension is standard, and high-tech configuration is all missing; often have a good wheelbase and rear row, but the convenience design and ergonomics are very general; standard halogen headlights, the low price is 100,000 yuan, and the actual price of the top configuration is only below 120,000 yuan...... But basically, the top three in China's monthly compact car sales have been occupied by such cars for a long time.
There is no doubt that the Focus is one of the representatives of the former compact car, and its fellow disciple Forrest is Ford's test of the latter "practical compact car".
Changan Ford Forrest is a new product with resource integration, and other "practical compact cars" often use the old platform to replace the shell or build a low-level platform skin, such as the "classic" Cruze is the resurrection of the first generation of Cruze, the Honda Lingpai is the Fit skin, the "classic" Sylphy is the previous generation of Sylphy, and Lavida simply uses the car platform of the 90s...... However, the Forrest is a new product that combines Changan Ford's Focus chassis, Fiesta engine, and highly versatile Selectshift transmission.
The Forrest is a true A-segment car, based on the previous generation Focus chassis, but the rear suspension has been changed from the Focus's multi-link to a torsion beam structure, and the suspension tuning is more comfortable. In terms of mechanical quality, Forrest does have an advantage, and its cabin is very quiet, it still maintains the feeling of an authentic A-class car, and the fuel economy is also excellent, but the Forrest cabin gives people a sense of class, which is also an old problem for Ford.
But when it comes to driving, Forrest and Focus are a far cry apart. As an old enemy, Forrest's throttle actually made a "classic" Cruze feeling. When the vehicle is driving at a speed of less than 60 KM/h, it feels light and powerful, but when you need to accelerate with all your strength to get rid of a large truck quickly at high speeds, you can only watch the revs go up with the roar of the engine, and it is difficult to get up to speed. Even when you release the throttle, like the classic Cruz, the revs do not drop for a long time.
In terms of applicability, Forrest actually does a lot better than the Focus, its interior space is definitely not as narrow as the Focus, and the rear seats are longer than the Focus, even if you sit on long laps, it is not so tiring. The interior of the Forrest uses a lot of soft materials, which is a big plus in China, and its high-end version even comes with a phone holder with Chinese characteristics - don't underestimate this phone holder, after you actually use it, it may become one of your favorite configurations of this car.
Forrest explained that Ford could actually study the Chinese market thoroughly and launch a car that would be useful to the Chinese market, but you better not think of it as a Ford.