Ford Focus

The Ford Focus removed from the Scheme on 23rd March 2022

The Ford Focus, now in its fourth incarnation, is a five door hatchback and estate, a slightly higher riding Active will be released in 2019. The German built C-segment mainstay offers super kerb appeal and generally is a delight, room for a growing family, the 375 litre boot is on par for the class, and the interior is well designed and appointed. The Focus has always had a reputation as an engaging drive and the latest version has been roundly praised, the steering is precise, body roll minimal and it’s easy to raise a smile through the twisties. It’s something of a a surprise that the Volkswagen Golf, which is at the end of its life cycle and due to be replaced in 2019, is still outselling the brand new Focus.

 

To Motability customers the entry level is the well equipped Zetec, 16 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, centre console with armrest, leather trimmed steering  and gear knob, cruise control, manual air conditioning and an 8 inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The Titanium adds built in sat nav, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and all-round parking sensors, as well as keyless entry and go. Titanium X has part-leather seats, privacy glass, 6-way power adjust driver seat and 17-inch alloy wheels. The range topping Vignale (presently not on Scheme) has LED lights all round, heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, Bang & Olufsen Play stereo with 10 speakers including a boot-mounted subwoofer.

 

For those of a more sporty disposition The ST line (based on the Zetec trim) has an unmistakable bodykit with distinctive grille, front and rear spoilers and twin exhaust pipes, set off by 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, dark headlining and alloy pedals and gear knob set the mood, while the ST-Line X adds 18-inch alloys, red brake calipers, rain sensing wipers, partial leather trim with red stitching, heated front seats and dual zone climate control. We love the look of the ST Line X. The only thing to note is Adaptive Cruise Control (where your car sits a set distance from the car in front) is part of the Driver Assistance Pack  at £500 which also includes traffic sign recognition and auto high beam.

 

All engines have been carried over from the old Focus with an upgrade to Euro stage 6.2 from stage 6.  The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is available in two power outputs (100 and 125hp), while its three-cylinder 1.5 petrol comes in 150 and 182hp forms. The four-cylinder 1.5 diesel available with 120hp power outputs, and lastly, a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 150hp. All engines are either a 6 speed manual or a n 8 speed automatic. Both respond well, with the automatic being pleasantly smooth.

 

The 125hp 1.0-litre petrol is probably the pick, it’ll never feel off the pace (0-62 in 10 seconds) and will be cheap to run, claimed economy of 51.4 miles per gallon. That said, if you’re constantly slogging up and down the motorway, then one of the diesels will be a far better bet in the long run. In particular, the 120hp 1.5 diesel will have all the punch you need and comfortably achieve closure tot the claimed 62.8 mpg.

The ST line X is our pick as it looks fantastic and a 1.5 diesel is avaialble to the under 25’s, only available as an automatic this quarter.