Ford’s Focus on success

Building on traditional strengths, this model is safer, looks better, has lower emissions, better fuel economy and is even more comfortable.

Add up all the points when it comes to buying a Family Hatchback and it’s long been hard to escape the conclusion that a Ford Focus might well be your best bet.

For Ford, the problem is that most potential buyers don’t add up all the points. They’re swayed by rivals that are better looking, have higher-tech engines, offer more equipment or record more frugal fuel figures in some variants. So Ford went back to the drawing board and brought us the third generation Focus model we’re looking at here.

In this sector, smart styling is essential and the stylish coupe-like design not only looks appealing but is day-to-day practical. Most will choose the five-door hatch but saloon and sleek estate models are also offered. There is no stinting inside either, with particular attention paid to the materials used.

The result is that everything you touch feels like it belongs in a far more expensive car. Here is a better-looking, better equipped, higher-tech and more frugal Focus. Yet one that keeps all the good things common to the original.

Make no mistake: if you’re shopping in this sector, this is a car you have to try. Low emission variants are the highlight of the Focus engine range, starting with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium petrol engine available in 150 and 180PS versions. Other petrol variants include the 105 and 125PS 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT, while the diesel offerings feature the updated 1.6 and 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCI units.

The smaller diesel comes in 95 and 115PS guises, with a revamped combustion system, smarter fuel injection and a turbocharger. The 115PS diesel features a handy overboost, taking peak torque from 270 to 285Nm for effective overtaking and harder acceleration. The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCI comes in three variants, offering 115, 140 and 163PS and there’s the option on these engines of a clever dual-clutch automatic.

Swooping, coupe-style looks make you forget the lack of a three-door variant in the range and give the car a level of style and design that help it punch above its weight aesthetically. For Ford, it’s all part of a design ethos which they say makes the car look like it’s moving, even when it’s standing still.

For the rest of us, the time and attention paid to the car’s looks ensures that while this is a volume product, it’s far from bland and a much more interesting car to look at as well as to drive. Bodystyle choice is between 5-door hatch, estate and saloon. For users who spend a lot of time in rush-hour traffic or commuting, the Low Speed Safety System may be very useful.

This uses radar technology and at speeds up to 20mph will automatically cut throttle input and apply the brakes if it detects that you are approaching a parked object or a much slower vehicle, but have not touched the brakes yourself.

The interior adopts the current industry trend for a wrap-round cockpit style biased towards the driver. The design and the soft-touch instrument panel certainly create the illusion of being in a more expensive car, a feeling enhanced by trim levels that can include a full leather interior.

Overall? Well, Ford needed to remind buyers just how good its Focus is - and this third generation model does just that.

l For more details or to arrange a test drive call Geoff or Craig at Tuxford Road Garage on 01623 860368.