Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is one of the most complete cars on the road today. Well designed, well engineered, well built, well priced. It drives superbly, does what you need it to, and won’t break the bank.

• Comfort

  The Focus has a truly remarkable ride. It's supple but not soft, allowing for all the crap British roads can throw at it while remaining totally composed at any speed. It's also refined and capacious inside. Spot on really.

  

• Performance

  The Focus is a solid performer, with plenty of power over economy equations to get lost pondering. The 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDCi diesels will better 50mpg and still hit 60mph in around 10 seconds, while that new 1.0-litre three-pot - yes, a one-litre Focus - somehow manages 58mpg and a 0-62mph time of 12.5 secs.

  

• Cool

  The Ford Focus is too MOR to ever be cool, but for that same reason it's not going to mark you out as a tosser either. If you're buying a Focus ‘cool' isn't even on your radar is it?

  

• Quality

  Feels better made than the old model, itself not too shabby. The driving position is better too, although some of the dash feels a bit over-buttoned and unnecessarily fussy. Feels solidly screwed together, mind.

  

• Handling

  This third gen model isn't as involving as its predecessor, but is still an entertaining car to drive. It corners flat and grips well, and you immediately feel confident in its ability, despite feeling less mechanically involved. Still a good car to drive quickly.

  

• Practicality

  The rear feels a little more cramped, perhaps down to that sloping new roofline, while bootspace isn't the biggest at 316 litres (seats up). 

  

• Running costs

  The Focus also has real value for money in its impressive arsenal of selling points. It comfortably undercuts competition from the likes of VW, Toyota and Vauxhall. And remember those excellent diesels...