Used Car of the Year 2008 - Small family cars

Winner: Ford Focus 1.6 (115) Zetec Climate 5dr
Year: '05/05
Price: £5280

With so many good small family cars available, this winner has got to be pretty special – and it is.

The Focus manages to combine taut handling and comfort into a reliable and affordable package. You could spend a lot more on rival hatchbacks, but you wouldn't be buying a better car.

Top-notch styling
The original Focus ('99-'05) is still popular on the used market, but the newer car is by far the better option.

You not only get a more contemporary design, but build quality and refinement are also improved.

This generation of Focus has just been face-lifted, but we reckon the car on sale up to January '08 is the real bargain.

Which model?
Confusingly, there were two 1.6-litre petrol options on this Focus, one with 99bhp, and another with 113bhp.

The latter – badged 1.6 (115) – is a more modern engine, which drives better and drinks less fuel. Try to track one down, but bear in mind you can't tell the difference just by looking – the V5 document is the easiest way to check.

Zetec models come with sports suspension as standard, which means brilliant handling, although you do pay a small price with a slightly firmer ride. However, you also get alloy wheels, a CD player, remote central locking and front electric windows.

Originally, the Zetec model came without air-con, so look for the Zetec Climate with it fitted as standard.

A three-door version of this Focus was available, but there's a better selection of five-door cars on the market, and they hold their value better.

Where to buy one?
The Focus is prime car-supermarket fodder, so shop around to find the best prices and haggle like mad to lower the price even further.

Power: 113bhp
Fuel economy: 44mpg (average)
0-60mph/top speed: 11.0sec/114mph
Insurance: Group 6
CO2: 115g/km
Service intervals: 12,000 miles

Runners-up
BMW 116i, 5dr '06/55 £9245
Honda Civic 1.4 SE 5dr '03/03 £4240
Nissan Almera 1.5 S 5dr '03/03 £2440
Volvo S40 1.6 SE '03/03 £3500