If you’re looking for a mid-size family car, the Ford Focus is well worth your consideration. That’s because it’s practical, well-equipped and cheap to buy, and it feels more enjoyable to drive than most similar cars. It’s a brilliant all-rounder.
The current version of the Ford Focus has been on sale in the UK since 2018. It’s the fourth generation in a line that dates back to 1998. The previous (third-generation) model was sold new from 2011 to 2018.
There’s a wide range of Focus models to choose from, with hatchback and estate versions, the SUV-style Active and the high-performance ST. There are models with petrol or diesel engines and manual or automatic gearboxes, plus an extensive selection of trim levels ranging from the value-focused to the luxurious.
The Focus was updated in 2022, the most obvious changes being a new front grill and headlights plus Ford’s latest infotainment system.
The entry-point Ford Focus Style comes with air con, DAB radio and Bluetooth. All the other trim levels also have a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has sat nav in many cases, plus cruise control.
Titanium models add parking sensors and heated front seats, ST-Line models have a sportier look, Vignale models have ‘Sensico’ artificial leather seat upholstery. That’s just a broad outline: Ford has changed the trim level line-up and their standard features many times over the years.
The Ford Focus is very fuel-efficient, even by the high standards that mid-size hatchbacks generally achieve. The official figures show that petrol models can give average fuel economy of 39mpg to 56mpg and diesels can give 44mpg to 67mpg.
Some of the petrol models have a mild-hybrid system – that’s an extra electrical system that helps improve fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Other running costs are generally quite low and the Focus is good value overall.
There are legions of other mid-size hatchbacks to choose from including the Citroen C4, Honda Civic, Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf. The Focus rates as average for practicality but above-average for value and well above average for its fun driving experience.
£12,500
Ford Focus
2020 (70) - 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV ST-Line X Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/
£9,800
Ford Focus
2019 (19) - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 Titanium 5dr
£15,057
Ford Focus
2020 (70) - 1.0T EcoBoost Vignale Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)
£9,495
Ford Focus
2019 (68) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£11,250
Ford Focus
2018 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line X 5dr Manual
£11,995
Ford Focus
2019 - T EcoBoost ST-Line X 5-Door
£15,698
Ford Focus
2021 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 125 ST-Line X Edition 5dr
£11,980
Ford Focus
2020 - 1.5 Focus Titanium TDCI 5dr
£13,890
Ford Focus
2022 - T EcoBoost ST-Line Edition 5-Door
£16,995
Ford Focus
2020 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 Active X Auto 5dr
£9,880
Ford Focus
2019 (19) - 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£16,998
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost Active 5dr
£3,995
Ford Focus
2013 - 1.6 Zetec 5-Door
£9,995
Ford Focus
2018 - 1.5 TDCi 120 ST-Line Navigation 5dr
£3,990
Ford Focus
2014 (63) - 1.6 125 Titanium Navigator 5dr Powershift
£9,495
Ford Focus
2018 - 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec Edition 5dr
£11,199
Ford Focus
2019 (69) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Estate 5dr
£14,095
Ford Focus
2020 - 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Active X Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Manual
£6,500
Ford Focus
2018 (18) - 1.0 EcoBoost 140 ST-Line Navigation 5dr
£12,750
Ford Focus
2020 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 ST-Line 5dr
£11,817
Ford Focus
2021 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 125 ST-Line Edition 5dr
£16,000
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.0T EcoBoost Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps) Manu
£4,995
Ford Focus
2017 (66) - 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr White 54k Miles FSH Years MOT Warranty
£10,000
Ford Focus
2019 (69) - 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr