This latest third-generation Ford Focus sets the standard in the family hatchback market, providing supreme quality, comfort and handling – a true rival for the Volkswagen Golf. In late 2014 it was given a facelift, including a more upmarket-looking chrome grille, narrower headlights and a much improved interior. A new range of engines and technology were also introduced, helping it to better battle the Golf.
Those wanting more space have the option of the Ford Focus estate, too. Unusually, the estate version of the Ford Focus actually drives just as well as the hatch.
The Ford Focus is available in six main specifications – entry-level Studio and Edge, mid-range Zetec and Zetec S and top-of-the-range Titanium and Titanium X. Meanwhile, those after a little extra performance should opt for the excellent ST hot hatch – a great alternative to the likes of the VW Golf GTI and Renaultsport Megane.
The Ford Focus engine line-up features economical diesel and smooth petrol engines. We’d opt for the popular three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine, which strikes a balance between lively performance and low running costs.
An all-new Ford Focus is due to be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. It’s received a significant facelift and now features a wider single-piece grille – more in keeping with the other Ford big-sellers such as the Fiesta, Mondeo and Kuga. It’ll also get a revamped engine line-up, while a plug-in Ford Focus is on the cards.
The facelift in 2014 sorted out much of the Focus’ problems when it came to styling. It was a bit anonymous, even a little awkward, but the new narrow headlights and chrome grille have transformed it into a car that’s now actually pretty striking. The SEAT Leon remains perhaps the best-looking but at least the Focus isn’t quite as dull to look at as the Golf.
The rest of the car follows a standard hatchback template, although the roofline is slightly longer than its rivals’, giving the Ford a slightly squarer profile. At the back, designers have neatly integrated the fuel filler flap with the right-hand tail-light. As part of the update, these lights were made a bit smaller and they’re now much better integrated with the rest of the design.
Inside, the Focus (in post-2014 facelift cars) gets a large colour touchscreen in the centre console through which most of the cars functions are controlled. It’s a much neater and more intuitive system than the mess of buttons that characterised the pre-facelift Focus. Be aware that entry-level Studio cars don’t get this touchscreen, though.
As a result of the update, the Focus’ cabin is now much more closely matched to the excellent interiors on offer in the VW Golf and Audi A3, but it still falls ever so slightly short.
Driving
The Ford Focus has clearly been designed with comfort and efficiency in mind, but having said that it’s still an enjoyable ride. It’s certainly more exciting to drive than a Vauxhall Astra, and we’d say that it offers up more agile handling than a Volkswagen Golf thanks to sharp steering, a great chassis and strong grip.
The Focus has always had a reputation for serving up strong driver thrills, and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine suits its sporty nature. So, too, does the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, available with either 178bhp or 148bhp.
Although the three-cylinder thrum from the 1.0-litre model won’t be to all tastes, the six-speed manual version features a dual-mass flywheel that eliminates vibrations well. The engine is settled at motorway speeds and doesn’t spoil cabin comfort, while the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps.
Ford sells 1.6-litre TDCi diesels and 1.5-litre TDCis; since the 1.5-litre engine is newer and more efficient we’d recommend going for that – it’s worth the extra money.
In corners, the Focus is very entertaining, with quick steering and a responsive chassis. It’s not quite as focused as past models, but still has an edge over its rivals for handling. The facelifted models come with tweaked steering and suspension, giving a subtle boost to the handling.
Those wanting a sportier version of the Ford Focus can choose the ST, which is by far one of the best hot hatchbacks available on the UK market. Its powerful engine reaches 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds, and it offers a firm but comfortable ride, too.
Reliability
When you consider how many Focuses have been sold, it appears to be a fairly reliable car. Owners aren’t greatly enamoured with it, which is why the model dropped from 19th place in the Driver Power 2012 survey to 70th in 2013 – but there are no major issues that potential buyers need to be aware of. Owners like how the Focus drives and the technology it offers, although a 29th place finish for Ford’s chain of 700-plus dealers isn’t great.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is still quite new but is proving to be really reliable. We had no problems with it in the Focus Estate we ran on our fleet, though, clocking up 20,000 miles in a year.
Ford’s safety technology helped the Focus earn a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. You get six airbags and ESP as standard, while the Zetec model includes handy extras such as heated mirrors and a Quickclear heated windscreen. On top of that, you can add Ford’s £550 Driver Assistance Pack, which brings pre-collision city braking, a lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers and a driver alertness monitor.
Practicality
The Focus isn’t the most practical compact hatch on the market. While its dimensions are on the large side in this class, the car is small inside.
At the back, you get a 316-litre boot – 89 litres down on the Renault Megane – and this only rises to 1,101 litres with the seats flat. That’s 109 litres behind the SEAT Leon, although a shallow floor makes it easy to unload big items.
New Ford Focus 2014 interior
Rear seat space is reasonable, although the small back windows and sloping roof line make the Ford feel tighter than its rivals. There’s a decent glovebox, door bins and cup-holders, too.
Plus, if you really need more practicality, you can always opt for the Ford Focus Estate. This has a 476-litre boot,,which expands to 1,502 litres. There’s lots of extra headroom for rear passengers, and large cubby holes for storage.
Running Costs
If you don’t count the sporty Ford Focus ST, every car in the line-up emits less than 140g/km of CO2, which is pretty good if you consider how large the engine range is.
The latest Ford Focus is lighter than ever before and as a result it’s cheaper to run, too. Highlights in the range include a frugal 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which is capable of emissions as low as 99g/km of CO2 in the facelifted car. The reality is that you would have to drive extremely cautiously to get near Ford’s claimed fitures, though.
We’d also recommend the 1.5-litre TDCi, which offers tax-free CO2 emissions of 98g/km and still manages 74.3mpg. The old 1.6 TDCi is slightly behind that.
The great thing about the Ford Focus is you get lots of equipment and accessories as standard – all for a great-value price tag. Probably best to avoid the Studio models unless you’re on a budget, though – it looks basic next to even the Style versions, which are just one grade above.
The Ford Focus’ insurance group ratings fall between group seven for entry-level cars and group 34 for the Ford Focus ST.
Due to the popularity of the Ford Focus, you’re likely to find plenty for sale on the used car market, while parts and servicing should be relatively inexpensive. However, residuals aren’t as good as the Volkswagen Golf and you’d probably be lucky to get even 40 per cent of its value back after three year’s time
