For Combining one of the lesser engines with a top-spec trim, this is a very well-equipped mid-price Focus. Big discounts are available and, thanks to sharp handling and steering, it’s good to drive.
Against This is a high price for a Focus with only 98bhp and residuals aren’t strong. The engine is willing, but performance rather flat, especially if you’ve got the family on board.
Choosing a cheaper engine with a higher trim seems like a false economy; for this kind of money, we think you’d be better sacrificing a couple of luxury items for a stronger engine.
The Focus range is so big that it really does provide everything from frugal runabouts to fire-breathing hot hatches, via practical estates and sexy coupe-cabriolets. These three- and five-door hatchbacks are the core of the range, however. The sheer number of used Focuses out there means that residual values aren’t strong, but the flipside is that you can get a big discount on the list price.
Entry-level models are a little short on power and kit, so we’d recommend moving up to Zetec trim if you can, because you’re then unlikely to have to add any optional extras.
Of the wide range of engines, the 1.6 TDCI is our pick. It’s flexible and refined, yet provides incredible fuel economy and emits very little CO2. The dearer diesel and petrol models push the price uncomfortably high, while the hot hatch ST model sounds great, but its five-cylinder engine is thirsty and it’s not as much fun as it should be.
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