Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £12,495 to £21,145
Excellent dynamics, good comfort, well-priced and equipped, good 2.0-litre engines, excellent NCAP crash test results
Not a lot, CVT gearbox/1.6 diesel engine combo isn't great
Stands up to scrutiny against any car in this class.
Ergonomically, the latest Focus is virtually unchanged from the model it replaces, which was always sound anyway. A couple of gripes have been addressed: the gearlever sits slightly higher, while it feels like the steering wheel has more movement through its reach/rake adjustment. Seats are comfortable and supportive, but the centre arm-rest can restrict use of the handbrake, and obstructs one of the cup-holders.
Rear seat space is a little cramped compared to some rivals but is acceptable for two adults, while boot-space is ample. Estates aren't enormous, but have a useful load capacity behind their upright rear tailgates; they feel significantly smaller than the closely related Volvo V50, strangely, though their overall dimensions are actually quite similar.
Pricing and equipment levels are keen; all get electric front windows and all but but the base models get air conditioning. The entry model doesn't get a CD player either, which is unacceptable. The variety of options are better: you can have cooled gloveboxes, cruise control, headlamps that swivel in corners, power-adjustable seats, and other big-car features.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Ford Focus
wrote on 05 10 2007
wrote on 19 09 2007
wrote on 12 09 2007
wrote on 26 07 2007