Focus III vs Solaris hatchback I (RB): which is better?
Ford Focus III (2010–2019) vs Hyundai Solaris hatchback I (RB) (2011–2017): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Focus III
Hyundai Solaris hatchback I (RB)Specifications
| Ford Focus III | Hyundai Solaris hatchback I (RB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2019 | 2011–2017 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Ti-VCT | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 125 hp | 123 hp |
| Torque, up to | 159 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 358 mm | 4 115 mm |
| Width | 1 823 mm | 1 700 mm |
| Height | 1 484 mm | 1 470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 648 mm | 2 570 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 160 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 43 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Ford Focus III
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost engine: Duratec suffers timing belt and ignition coil wear
- Ford PowerShift DPS6 gearbox: dry clutch vibration and jerking
Engine (Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost): on Duratec — timing belt and ignition coil wear; on EcoBoost — overheating and coolant leaks on the 1.6.
Gearbox (Ford PowerShift DPS6): dry clutch vibration and jerks; axle seal leaks onto the clutch; control unit failure.
Hyundai Solaris hatchback I (RB)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
- Small tank: 43 L
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Focus III — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Focus III or Solaris hatchback I (RB)?
Focus III: up to 125 hp, Solaris hatchback I (RB): up to 123 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Focus III — about 13 675 ₸, Solaris hatchback I (RB) — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.