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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
7/10
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The second-generation Focus is a more mature design than the original, but that’s not to say it looks any better. Oddly, this time around the saloon and estate are better looking than the hatch. The ST has proper hot-hatch add-ons while the Coupe Cabrio is also pretty, but a little big-bottomed.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
8/10
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The Focus boasts an impressive engine range. The 80bhp 1.4 lacks punch, but it likes to rev. The 100bhp 1.6 is a little livelier, but the 90bhp 1.6 TDCi is the best real-world engine. The 2.5 Turbo is fantastic, but the automatics are old-school four-speeds and only available with one engine.
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Performance
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Score:
7/10
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All models perform well, even the 1.4, considering it is the entry-level model, (0-100km/h in 14.1 seconds), but the 1.6 (11.9) and 1.6 TDCi (12.6) would be better choices if you can afford them. The 2.5 Turbo in the ST is as hot as a hot hatch can get, with a 0-100 time of just 6.8 seconds.
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
10/10
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Even the most basic Focus rides with surprising maturity and handles with aplomb. Steering feel, strong brakes, a slick gearbox - it’s all here. The ST takes turns the handling wick up to 12, while even the Coupe Cabrio handles well, depite the lack of rigidity.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
7/10
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The dashboard is less haphazard than the original model, and made of nicer materials. Everything falls easily to hand and it couldn’t be simpler to use. Storage areas low down are less impressive and basic models tend to look stripped out.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
8/10
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It’s hard to imagine that a small family would need more space than you get in a Focus. The rear is big enough for adults, the doors open wide, and the boot is vast. There’s even decent space for knick-knacks, but base models lack proper centre console.
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Safety
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Score:
7/10
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Despite the 5-star NCAP, the Focus does without ISOFIX child seat mounts and stability control on most models. There’s no speed warning chime or rear seat belt warning either. It’s solid and tough, but doesn’t drive the safety issue home.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
7/10
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The Focus should prove cheap to run and insure and easy to sell on, provided you buy one in a nice colour with alloy wheels and air-conditioning. The 1.6 diesel will be especially desirable used, while a five-door ST will be expensive to own but easy to shift afterwards. Consider the cheap FFV too.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
8/10 |
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While some of the plastic is soft-feel stuff, below your eyeline it becomes cheap and scratchy. Mechanically, the Focus seems very robust, riding well and soaking up bumps impressively, but there is some road noise through the sporty suspension.
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Equipment
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Score:
6/10
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You get the feeling that Ford puts in as little as it can possibly get away with. You need to spend some money if you want a centre console, rear electric windows, a trip computer or cruise control. Even top ST model feels a little sparse.
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Bad
Sparse
glum
everywhere.
Good
Sharp
fun
solid.
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