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.
£25,994
Ford Focus
2017 (67) - 2.3T EcoBoost RS AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,995
Ford Focus
2017 (67) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 p
£3,995
Ford Focus
2015 (15) - 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec 5dr
£14,995
Ford Focus
2019 (69) - 1.5T EcoBoost 150 Titanium ESTATE 5-Door
£6,995
Ford Focus
2013 - 1.6 Titanium Navigator 5-Door
£6,395
Ford Focus
2014 (64) - 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium X Navigator 5dr
£6,995
Ford Focus
2015 - TITANIUM 5-Door
£6,245
Ford Focus
2017 - 1.0 T EcoBoost Zetec Edition 5-Door
£4,995
Ford Focus
2012 (62) - 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr Powershift
£4,490
Ford Focus
2015 (65) - 1.5 TDCi 95 Style 5dr
£2,395
Ford Focus
2008 - 1.8 125 Style Hatchback 5d 1798cc 5-Door
£4,195
Ford Focus
2014 (14) - 1.6 TDCi Edge ECOnetic 106 5dr Ex Police
£5,999
Ford Focus
2017 (67) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec Edition 5dr
£2,995
Ford Focus
2010 (60) - 1.6 Zetec 5dr
£4,495
Ford Focus
2012 (62) - 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr
£4,195
Ford Focus
2015 (65) - 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr
£8,995
Ford Focus
2019 - 2019 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBlue ST-Line Diesel Manual 5 Door Hatchback White
£5,995
Ford Focus
2015 (64) - 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium 5dr
£2,850
Ford Focus
2012 (12) - 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium X 5dr
£999
Ford Focus
2014 (14) - 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr
£6,495
Ford Focus
2013 - 1.6 Titanium Estate 5dr Petrol Powershift Euro 5 (125 ps)
£6,995
Ford Focus
2015 (55) - 1.5 TDCi Titanium Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)