Ford Focus Tested Mar 2008

Rating Quick Summary Recommended. The Mark One Focus was revolutionary. The Mark Two is more evolutionary, but is still an excellent product, improved in 2008 by a surprisingly comprehensive facelift.

Full Road Test

We loved the original Focus - one of the most radical mainstream cars in recent memory, and by far the coolest thing to happen to the dowdy mid-sized hatchback segment in the last 20 years. The Mark Two could not possibly have been an equally big leap forward, but it is a usefully better car, especially when it comes to interior trim. The rather limp styling of the Mark Two has been tightened up by the mid-term facelift that provides a sharper front end and a more defined profile.

The biggest step forward has been inside. While the Mark One felt like it had been trimmed by the same people responsible for McDonalds cartons, inside this one manages to radiate a real quality feel. Driving dynamics remain exemplary too, with ultra-accurate steering, a well-damped ride and properly sorted body control making the Focus a brilliant place to spend time on favourite "B" road. Motorway cruising is similarly accomplished, the Focus remaining calm and stable at speed, while the comfortable driving position helps to pass long stints at the wheel. All have decent passenger space, while saloon and estate variants have massive boots as well. If you are used to an early Mark Two Focus, you will be surprised at just how much quieter the facelifted car is: the 2.0 TDCI, in particular, is almost luxury-car smooth on a motorway.

Ford's performance heritage is allowed to come to the fore through the ST and RS versions of the Focus. Both could justifiably be called hot hatches, but it is the RS that is the more extreme of the two. It gets to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds and is good for 163mph. The ST is no slouch, managing 62mph in 6.8 seconds, and offers the choice between three and five door versions. The RS is only available as a three door.

And the bad news? Well cheaper versions suffer from a sometimes stingy lack of kit - and the more basic engines are lacking in urge and refinement compared to rivals.

Breakdown Styling Definitely improved by the 2008 facelift and now reasonably attractive in a nice metallic colour. Chunky estate version is still better looking than the five-door hatch. Handling No other mid-sized family car drives like this. In fact, precious few fully fledged sportscars do. Ford still knows how to make a great driver's car. Comfort Good noise insulation and a well-damped ride make the Focus a good place to while away the M5 or M62. Quality + reliability A well-finished, solid feeling cabin means this Focus is a dramatic improvement over the cheap-feeling first generation model. Performance Smaller petrol engines really lack urge when compared to rivals, but diesels are excellent. The 2.5 litre turbocharged ST and the RS are both great - if you can afford the fuel. Roominess Good by class standards with decent room for both front and rear seat passengers. The heavily raked tailgate cuts into the available luggage space on hatchback versions - estate is impressively commodious. Running costs Low servicing costs and decent fuel economy, especially from the diesel engines helps the Focus's financial case. Poor used values don't though sadly. Value for money A series of price rises have hit the Focus hard, and it is no longer the cheapest in its class. Equipment levels are poor at the bottom of the range but good elsewhere. Stereo / Sat nav Top-end versions get an impressive Sony-branded stereo but base models make do with an average unit. Optional satnav isn't the best system on the market - but is decent value.

Need to know NCAP Rating JD Power stars Replacement Date: 2012 We like: 1) Handling. 2) Good motorway refinement. 3) Torquey diesel engines. We don't like: 1) Poor basic equipment. 2) Gutless entry level engines. 3) Styling improved, but still not great. Best and worst: Most fun: RS Most sensible: 1.6 TDCI Zetec 5-door Worst: 1.4 petrol