This is the largest of the small car market-domineering tag team that is the Ford Focus and the Ford
Fiesta.
Now, this third-generation model has been around for about five years, but Ford has
managed to keep it current with a facelift back in 2014 – the most noticeable addition
of this revamp being this new grille.
So let’s see why Ford is shifting so many of these shall we.
Another part of its 2014 facelift was an improvement in the materials used in the cabin and this
definitely shows, with soft touch detailing in all the right areas.
Ford hasn’t really done itself any favours though by making the dash the same colour
as its plasticy doors, as it takes away from the new plusher feel a bit.
There are quite a few trims to choose from in the Focus and we have one of the more affordable
trims, Style, which has plenty of handy kit like air-con, hill start assist, MyKey – for
anyone who wants to keep younger drivers in check when it comes to the likes of speed
limiting – and DAB digital radio.
Speaking of the radio, the Focus does look best with the eight-inch touchscreen on the
Titanium trim, but this radio display, albeit very small and sunken, does actually look
quite smart.
The Style model also gets Ford’s SYNC system with Bluetooth and voice-activated controls,
but this can be a bit temperamental.
A few small things I like are these adjustable cup holders, arm rest on the door, meaning
you can get comfortable on long journeys, and these retractable rubber door protectors
– which prevents dinks in the supermarket car park.
There’s not much to say about the Focus when it comes to rear practicality, but for
a good reason, basically, it is very good all-round, with plenty of head and leg room.
The boot is impressive as well with 363 litres, that’s bigger than the VW Golf.
Whack the seats down and you get 1,148 litres.
The Focus reminds me a bit of the Mazda3 because it doesn’t do everything perfectly, but
it does all the important things really, really well.
I mean its suspension has a nice balance to it in terms of comfort, certainly one of the
best in class, insulation from the outside world is impressive, and the steering has
reassuring levels of feedback and responsiveness, so you can have fun with it on a twisty road.
Like I said, it isn’t perfect, but it delivers a far better all-round experience than most
rivals, be it the Vauxhall Astra or Hyundai i30.
The engine range in the Focus is one of its biggest triumphs as there are plenty of derivatives
to choose from, each with their own merits, be it the renowned 1.0-litre EcoBoost or the
1.6-litre diesel.
But we are driving the 1.5-litre xxxbhp diesel and as well as delivering all the performance
you’re ever really going to need, it boasts low CO2 of 88g/km and claims to return a combined
83mpg.
Now, this is very optimistic – but I have managed to achieve an average of 62.3mpg,
which is damn good.
To help on the fuel economy front, Ford gives you a little screen behind the steering wheel
that rates you on your gear-shifting, speed and how well you anticipate the road.
And I have achieved the title of “Eco champion” – that’s going on the fridge.
At under £14,000 the Focus manages to undercut the VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra, but the likes
of the Hyundai i30 are still cheaper.
…But, if you don’t quite know exactly what you want in a hatchback, then the Focus
is ideal because it covers you in all the major departments, be it practicality, technology
or running costs.
If you want something that’s fun to drive though, then the Focus is a good choice, although
the VW Golf is getting closer and closer to its Ford rival when it comes to driving dynamics.
But what do you think of the Focus?
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