Eric Vice has been playing the piano for 35 years. So naturally, sound quality is a big deal to him.

However, for years he was stuck driving an old car, with an outdated sound system. That changed this year after he won a two-year lease of a Ford Focus in a contest.

With the new car, he was exposed to a brave new world – one that allowed him to experience his music in a more convenient fashion. And not to mention, get him better sound quality.

“I’m totally blown away with being able to have the iPod in the car,” Vice said with a laugh. “No more scratched CDs! I haven’t played a CD in the Focus; (it’s) all digital music in that car.”

Vice got rid of his 15-year-old vehicle after winning the Time To Get Focused contest, which was held by Toronto Area Ford dealers. His video, which you can see above, featured him test-driving a Focus and was deemed the winner.

Vice’s new world is not just limited to music, though. He can now take road trips without having to drive in fear.

“The old car broke down every three or four weeks,” he said, adding that he was forced to carry a four-litre can of oil in the trunk at all times.

Despite that, he did go on a family road trip with his old ride to Sharbot Lake, Ont. The ordeal was not pleasant, to say the least.

“It was a nerve-wracking experience,” he said. “We made it, and made it back. But it was a two-hour drive without cruise control, air conditioning, the windows weren’t going all the way down … or down at all. Not the most comfortable ride.”

In addition to being able to go on road trips with the Focus, Vice is also excited to take on the winter and see how the car performs in the snow.

“The old car wouldn’t have lasted for another winter.”

Animal Factor

As you’ll notice in the video, Eric is a pet lover. In addition to owning two dogs, his family also has several cats. Thus, it was very important that the Focus was accommodating to their beloved animals.

“After driving the Focus for two or three days, it just seemed that the different elements of the car were there for the occupants – humans or dogs. It was very driver focused.”