Ford Focus Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
There are no less than five petrol engines – a 1.6 with 98- or (exclusively with Zetec S trim) 114bhp, a 123bhp 1.8, a 143bhp 2.0 and the 222bhp 2.5 in the hot ST. All will do a decent job. The diesel line-up includes two 1.6s, with 89bhp or 108bhp, and a 134bhp 2.0. The least-powerful option is best avoided, but the others are punchy enough.
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Ride & Handling
Sports suspension is standard on Zetec S and an option on Titanium models, but this gives the Focus an overly firm low-speed ride. Even the regular set-up is firm, but it's better at dealing with battered surfaces and still provides fine body control. The steering is accurate and informative, and grip is strong, so the car is great fun to drive.
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Refinement
All engines are quiet and smooth, even when worked hard. The diesels betray themselves with a slight murmur, but are still among the best in the class. Wind noise is effectively sealed out, too. However, road noise varies dramatically depending on the wheels, tyres and suspension fitted, and even in the quietest examples it remains a problem.
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Buying & Owning
The Focus is a little on the pricey side, but big discounts are easy to come by. Running costs should be reasonable, thanks to modest insurance, servicing and leasing costs. Fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are also par for the course, and only the mediocre resale values let the side down.
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Quality & Reliability
The Focus is well screwed together. Hard, cheap-looking plastics have been used for the lower reaches of the cabin, though, and the centre console, and that gives too much of a budget feel. Ford has a decent reliability record, and there’s nothing to suggest that the engines and mechanicals won’t prove hardy.
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Safety & Security
Stability control is fitted as standard across the range, as are six airbags, and the Focus scored a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Deadlocks help keep out thieves, while a visible VIN and marked mechanical parts make it easier to trace the car, should the worst happen.
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Behind The Wheel
The dash may look a little dull, but the controls and instruments are a model of clarity. The driver’s seat can be cranked up and down using a simple ratchet lever and, combined with two-way steering adjustment, means that people of all shapes and sizes can get comfortable. Slim rear pillars mean over-the-shoulder vision is excellent, too.
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Space & Practicality
Any worries about the steeply sloping rear roofline of the Focus are not borne out when sitting in the back seat. Instead, there’s good headroom and an airy feel to the rear of the cabin. The boot is generous and a practical, rectangular shape with no irritating intrusions from the wheelarches.
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Equipment
Even the entry-level Style cars have electric front windows and an iPod socket, as well as air-conditioning and foglamps. Econetic cars are similar but with sports suspension. Zetec models have that, too, along with alloys and a heated windscreen, while Zetec S adds a bodykit. Choose Titanium for cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.
Focus used car reviews
Ford Focus Hatchback 2.5 RS 3dr
Stunning in almost every respect, the Focus RS is hot, but not too hot to handle. It's civilised and, at this price, it's a bargain too.
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