Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is three generations old now and it comes with new chassis, an array of hi-tech gadgetry usually used in luxury limos, but the headline grabber is the brilliant new turbocharged Eco Boost petrol engine. The quality has improved massively and the drive is great. It is really refined and spacious enough. There are two variants available right now five-door hatchback and estate.

Looks have never been a strong point for the Focus. The triangular air intakes at the front don't look good and so does the huge gap between the badge and the bonnet. Although the overall shape is neat but the detailing is a letdown. Styling at the rear of the car offers a ray of hope where some bright new colours and a wide mix of alloy wheels help the design. MkIII Focus is certainly not the best design by Ford. VW Golf is more character full and SEAT Leon is bolder. The interior has been given cool blue lighting, a neat black centre console, very high quality materials have been used, smart dials and switchgear.

The Ford Focus become softer over the years but it is still the leader in its class. It is way ahead of its rivals like VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra. Due to its steering and active chassis it is much more fun to drive than Golf and leaves Vauxhall to bite its dust. There are four engines available in the Focus range; a 1.6 litre petrol with bhp ranging from 104bhp to 180bhp, two diesel engines a 1.6 and 2.0 litre giving out 95bhp to 161bhp. The pick of the bunch is the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost which is fun and economical. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost is a great engine but is heavy on the pocket. The 113bhp 1.6 TDCI Zetec is more economical and will give 67mpg.

Ford has become very reliable over the years so expect very few visits to the garage. Ford Focus has a full five star Euro NCAP rating making it very safe. Thanks to the curtains on the front, side and curtains as well as the lane departure warning system. ABS and anti-skid control both come as standard. The five-door hatchback is spacious and it is roomier at the back. The boot space is not so class leading with just 316litres, which is less than the model it replaces. All the models get alloys and air-con and you have options to add latest gadgetry such as automatic parking, automatic cruise control, road sign recognition and lane departure warning.