Ford Focus (1998-2005) Review

On the road

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The Focus is one of the most user-friendly cars on the market. The Focus's slightly upright stance means that visibility is excellent, with only the saloon having a mildly restricted rear view because of the lengthy boot. The steering is power-assisted and the steering wheel seems just the right size for twiddling when parking, while all of the controls - steering, pedals and gearbox - have a nicely integrated, smooth, progressive feel. Minor controls - switches, stalks, stereo controls - are all thoughtfully laid-out and clearly marked, too, as are all of the dials and warning lights. For an ordinary hatchback, they don't get much better than this. Responsive, linear steering, a very composed ride and secure handling mean it's easy to make brisk progress. The 1.6 and ST170's 2.0-litre petrol engines are particularly appealing, and work well with snappy, positive manual gearbox. The ST170 is even more fun than the standard hatch, but could still use a bit more power to match its on-road capabilities. The Focus RS gives you that extra power, and some sporting extras such as big Brembo brakes and revised suspension, which is why we've reviewed it separately.

One of our only reservations on this score is the 1.4-litre petrol, which does feel quite weedy on the open road or motorway. Overtaking is not something you take-on lightly. However, once up to speed, the car shows much more competence. Moving up the range, the 1.6 is a fine petrol engine, refined and smooth, better than the 1.8 or the 130bhp 2.0-litre, although they do offer more torque. The 2.0-litre ST170 is quite a good engine but the car still feels like it can handle more power. The RS gets that, but is a bit unruly. We've reviewed it separately. The earlier TDdi turbodiesels, although they have plenty of torque and are economical, are behind the pace. But we would highly recommend the newer 1.8 TDCi 100 and 115bhp common-rail turbodiesels. In fact, they're the pick of the range. With diesel clatter only at idle, they're smooth once underway and very driveable and quiet, with excellent power-spread throughout the rev-range. Darned economical too.