As with anything that has ropy looks, after a while you get past them and concentrate on other qualities. And so it goes with the Ford Focus. The yawn-inducing re-design has garnered more column inches than perhaps it deserves, but its impressive driving dynamics are now getting well-deserved attention.

With this in mind, the attention inevitably turns to engines. The 2.0 TDCi we drove last month is already being vaunted as the one to have, but at £16,295 for a three-door it's not going to match everyone's idea of affordable family motoring. However, new for this Focus is a 1.6 Ti-VCT. Standing for Variable Cam Timing, it boosts a regular 1.6 to 113bhp and offers improved high-end torque. So a same-spec gutsy mid-range petrol can be yours for £13,945.

Good in theory, reasonable in practise. The VCT is just about sufficient to keep the Focus sweet, albeit it's a fairly noisy experience. A 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds isn't going to thrill either, but with 144lb ft of torque, there are still moments when it feels as sorted as the diesels.

The real upside of the VCT is the impressive economy, with a possible 43.8mpg. So, at the very least, it's the pick of the petrols.

Matt Master

11/20
We say: Small petrol equals small thrills, but its enviable fuel consumption will warm your bank manager's heart
Price: £13,495
Performance: 0-62mph in 10.8secs, 117mph max speed, 43.8mpg
Tech: 1596cc 16v 4cyl, FWD, 113bhp, 114lb ft, 1267kg, 155g/km CO2

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