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2002 Top Ten position
All UK car sales: 1
Fleet car sales: 1
NB: Be advised that the model described here is the 1997-2004 car, not the current model.
Small family car
Introduced: 1998, revised model due 2004
Bodystyles: Three- and five-door hatchback, four-door saloon, estate, MAV compact MPV on the way
Price band: £10,495 - £19,995
NCAP crash test rating: 4
The Focus is...
Britain's best-selling car for a reason. Range spans workaday 1.4 and 1.6 petrol models to the high-performance ST170 and RS hot hatches, but even the entry-level models are fun to drive. Most buyers opt for the practical hatchbacks, but the estate is roomy enough to tempt family motorists away from a compact MPV - though if you really do want one of these, the Focus MAV (Multi-Activity Vehicle) will make its debut later this year.
For
Handling, road-holding, roomy cabin, smooth ride, easy to drive and own.
Against
Cabin quality improved, but lower-spec models still feel cheap; loads of them around; doesn't feel quite as solid as a Golf; low equipment levels on entry-level models.
Sum up
Seems like an obvious choice, but you could hardly go wrong with a Focus.
Engines, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Petrol:1.4 (75bhp): 42.8mpg, 158g/km
1.6 (100bhp): 40.9mpg, 165g/km
1.8 (115bhp): 37.2mpg, 181g/km
2.0 (130bhp): 32.8mpg, 204g/km
ST170 (173bhp): 31mpg, 218g/km
RS (210bhp): 237g/km
Diesel:1.8 TDdi (90bhp): 52.3mpg, 145g/km
1.8 TDCi (100bhp): 53.3mpg, 140g/km
1.8 TDCi 115 (115bhp): 51.4mpg, 145g/km
Spec rundown
Entry-level CL models have driver and passenger front airbags, power steering, central locking, front electric windows, radio/cassette. LX models have upgraded trim and electric mirrors. Options include metallic paint, ABS brakes (a must-have), side airbags, air conditioning, alloy wheels. Sporty-finish Zetec models have alloys, top-spec Ghia versions have air conditioning and plush trim, with the option of leather seats and satellite navigation.
Market info
Current special editions include the entry-level Flight (£9,995); special finance deals from 2.9 percent APR on most models. Loads of pre-registered, ex-demo, imported or nearly-new examples at car supermarkets at significant savings. Check out 4car's Bargain Pricefinder for more info on the best deals around. Due to sheer numbers, residual (resale) values not outstanding; ST170 and TDCi diesels particularly strong on used market, estates also popular but saloons, CL spec models and TDdis are harder to shift. RS models will be sought-after.
