That Ford Focus which parks itself...

[Kevin VRs]

VeeFour said:

Toyota have been offering a similar system for years now - I think it was introduced with the last Prius.

So have Skoda, always been available on the Yeti.

[Liquid Knight]

If you're dumb enough to buy a new Focus then you probably need all the help driving you can get.

[mrmr96]

kambites said:

I don't really see a difference between using auto-park for parking and using ABS for the emergency stop.

You don't "use" ABS to "do" an emergency stop.

Using this autopark feature is not equivalent to ABS. It's more equivalent to those emergency braking systems which scan the road ahead of you and try to stop you hitting stuff which is in the way. (Like stopped cars in a queue.)

[gamefreaks]

From a technical perspective, that is deeply impressive.

From a drivers point of view...meh!

[kambites]

mrmr96 said:

kambites said:

I don't really see a difference between using auto-park for parking and using ABS for the emergency stop.

You don't "use" ABS to "do" an emergency stop.

Using this autopark feature is not equivalent to ABS. It's more equivalent to those emergency braking systems which scan the road ahead of you and try to stop you hitting stuff which is in the way. (Like stopped cars in a queue.)

Not really, you still have to do something to use the auto-park feature. It's just a dummy thing (using the throttle and the brake) just like doing an emergency stop with ABS is a dummy thing (stamp on the pedal as hard as you can). In both cases, the ability to do the thing with the system has absolutely no bearing on the ability to do it without.

I'd far rather have people on the road who can't park without a particular assist, than people who can't do an emergency stop.

Edited by kambites on Saturday 30th April 18:41

[croyde]

It would ignore all the spaces in our London street where you have to park with about 2 inches of space left between the other cars when you are done.

That's why you have to ignore the parking sensors if you have them.

[Glosphil]

Liquid Knight said:

If you're dumb enough to buy a new Focus then you probably need all the help driving you can get.

So how long was your test drive? Did uou rty the auto-park frature? I assume that your view is passed on personal experience of the latest version of the Focus and not just prejudice?

[Zoki]

Liquid Knight said:

If you're dumb enough to buy a new Focus then you probably need all the help driving you can get.

Care to explain?

[Hitler Hadrump]

Prince Jefri said:

I like parking; it's fun.

Each park is a test of ability, if I'm askew or not central in the bay, I have failed.

Typically I can parallel park with perfection if there's nobody about, but if there's people watching I'll clip the kerb, need a dozen corrections and end up miles from the pavement.

[Zod]

croyde said:

It would ignore all the spaces in our London street where you have to park with about 2 inches of space left between the other cars when you are done.

That's why you have to ignore the parking sensors if you have them.

Top down cameras are great for London parking.

[tercelgold]

Wasn't there a guy who went on rampage, posted on here recently, because the instructor said the electronic handbrake
was not allowed on a test vehicle?.

Not sure self parking would be a shoe in.

[croyde]

Zod said:

croyde said:

It would ignore all the spaces in our London street where you have to park with about 2 inches of space left between the other cars when you are done.

That's why you have to ignore the parking sensors if you have them.

Top down cameras are great for London parking.

I was parking a Range Rover with one of those and showing the TV pic to the kids whilst reversing. Amazing how close you can get.

[robemcdonald]

Had this on a skoda superb a couple of years ago. A nice trick hat I used once to show my brother. My prius had it too, I never tried it though. In my opinion an expensive option you'll never use. Go for a DAB instead.

[VeeFour]

Going off on a tangent slightly... saw a new shape Prius the other day that had aftermarket reversing sensors stuck onto the rear bumper, even though it had a reversing camera and self-park.

[7mike]

tercelgold said:

Wasn't there a guy who went on rampage, posted on here recently, because the instructor said the electronic handbrake
was not allowed on a test vehicle?.

Not sure self parking would be a shoe in.

That used to be the case, however due to the increased use of electric parking brakes these are now allowed on test.

[MC Bodge]

The various driving aids found on new cars are technically impressive, but they often take away decision-making from the driver. This can be a good thing, but it can act to 'detach' the driver from the responsibility and thought required in driving a car.

[Graebob]

Hitler Hadrump said:

Each park is a test of ability, if I'm askew or not central in the bay, I have failed.

+1

If with mates, much gloating will be had over a perfect park. Likewise, you will be shunned and abused for needing "a taxi to the curb"

[philmots]

I can't park my car for toffee! Although I think it's as I'm too conscious of kerbing the wheels..

Gimme a tractor unit and 45ft trailer, no problem!

[Kiltox]

Caulkhead said:

If it backs into me do I sue the driver or Ford?

Both. Epic claim for whiplash, mental flashbacks as the evil car charged towards you with it's confused driver flapping around, intrusive thoughts because you think it might come back on it's own accord to attack you again, etc etc.

No win, no fee, innit.

[Liquid Knight]

Zoki said:

Liquid Knight said:

If you're dumb enough to buy a new Focus then you probably need all the help driving you can get.

Care to explain?

New Focus £16,000 to £25,100 otr according to these guys....

http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/Focus/BrochurePricesSpe...

£16,000 to £25,100 then....

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223526

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C199460

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C216396

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223436

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C118680

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223444

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C224118

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C138138

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C96515

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223547

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C223513

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C210605

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2602304.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1838115.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2158957.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2773062.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2748909.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2733978.htm

You get my point. A think it's a fair sacrifice not buying a car that parks itself and will depreciate £6,000 in two years for a car that will either not depreciate at all or very little. Even if you deduct the servicing costs and economy it still works out better value for money to buy a second hand Cosworth than a new Focus.