At first glimpse, it doesn’t look that different from the old model – when I rolled up at Weston Park yesterday the curved profile of the car which has notched up sales of nearly 1.2 million in the UK was instantly recognisable.
Then you find out the only shared part is the roof – everything else is new – and you start to see where the changes have been made. There are two things which initially strike you about the latest version of Ford’s much-loved Focus.
The first is the redesigned front end featuring a new Mondeo-style nose, with its twin trapezoidal grilles. It’s certainly much more dramatic than the old model.
The second is the much-improved quality of the interior – though it has to be said, I was driving a top spec Titanium model.
The cabin is finished with quality ‘soft-touch’ materials and the central console features an attractive metal-look casing. The air vents are oval-shaped to reflect Ford’s logo and there are plenty of cupholders and cubby holes for storage.
Ford has, wisely, decided not to tinker too much with the car’s character. After all, the Focus has been the United Kingdom’s best seller for the past decade.
Handling was always one of the its chief strengths and the new car is no different.
The Focus remains a delight to drive with quick, responsive steering and a crisp, positive gear change.
The new Focus is a comfortable car in which to travel. I drove the 1.8 diesel, which is both capable and economical. But you are always aware of the extra weight at the front end. Nor is it particularly quiet. That familiar diesel rasp is there when you accelerate through the gears, while both wind and tyre noise were noticeable at motorway speeds on the M54.
Ford has increased prices by an average of £250 across the range. The Focus starts at £11,945 on the road.
Britain’s love affair with the car has lasted a decade – and this new model appears to have enough qualities to rekindle the passion.
By Peter Carroll, Motoring Editor.
Share this article:
What are these?