The Ford Focus is the archetypal family car, it is a car that has built its reputation on being affordable, reliable and efficient, but recently it has also added style and fun to its repertoire.
It competes directly with the likes of the VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra, both freshly featuring as our car of the week, and is available as a five-door hatchback and an estate.
The Focus is consistently among the best-selling models in the UK. It’s a widely shared anecdote here at Cargiant that chances are you know at least one person who has one, and that means they are plenty of brilliant second hand options to pick at a great price.
So with that in mind, does the Focus deserve a place on top of your Christmas wish list? It’s time to find out.
Engine, Performance & Drive
The entry level model for the Focus is a respectable 1.6 litre petrol engine but you can also opt for the 1.0-litre Ecoboost version which is ideal for busy city life. The powerful 123bhp version is great for the motorway and more long distance drivers.
Of the diesel range, the 1.5 litre is a fantastic option. It has more power and you’ll also get more miles per gallon, which just cements the Focus’ efficiency label.
The Focus is available with either an automatic or manual gearbox, and with Ford’s illustrious status for producing cars with great handling, enthusiastic drivers will find their tastes catered for.
Pricing, Reliability & Safety
A highlight of the newer Ford Focus is its competitive CO2 emissions, with the 1.5 litre diesel version a great choice for the company car drivers. Every Focus model comes with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, plus electronic stability control and hill-start assist.
The Ford Focus latest generation scored the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test, with safety ratings of 92% (adult) and 82% (child).
The aptly named Titanium and Titanium X models come with automatic emergency city breaking as standard, and the system is optional on most other trims. Other optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.
What Cargiant thinks
The Ford Focus is definitely the people’s choice and with a very affordable starting price of £5,499 it’s very evident why this is the case. The great thing about the Focus is with the wide range of models and trims, you’re almost certain to find one that works for you.
If the Ford Focus is not on your radar, we think it’s about time you start to consider it. The Focus is often people’s second choice not because of preference but because it provides a great benchmark for discerning carbuyers. If you haven’t been behind the steering wheel of a Ford Focus, we suggest you do so to find out what all the fuss is about.
