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.
£4,495
Ford Focus
2012 (62) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£5,395
Ford Focus
2011 (61) - 1.6 Zetec Euro 5 5dr
£17,999
Ford Focus
2023 (23) - 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line 5dr
£14,850
Ford Focus
2015 (15) - 2.0T EcoBoost ST-2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£7,750
Ford Focus
2014 (14) - 1.6 TDCi Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£11,500
Ford Focus
2020 (20) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£26,992
Ford Focus
2018 - 2.3T EcoBoost RS AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£3,950
Ford Focus
2015 (15) - 1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium 5dr
£4,990
Ford Focus
2011 (61) - 1.6 Zetec Euro 5 5dr
£3,500
Ford Focus
2012 (62) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£24,000
Ford Focus
2018 - 2.3 EcoBoost 5dr Manual
£11,699
Ford Focus
2019 (69) - 1.0T EcoBoost Active X Estate 5dr
£13,495
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 125 Titanium Edition 5dr
£9,490
Ford Focus
2013 (7S) - 2.0 ST-3 5d 247 BHP 5-Door
£3,500
Ford Focus
2012 (12) - 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr
£4,195
Ford Focus
2011 (61) - 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr
£4,995
Ford Focus
2012 - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£6,000
Ford Focus
2016 (66) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£6,495
Ford Focus
2015 (15) - ZETEC S 1.5 TDCI ESTATE 5-Door
£5,990
Ford Focus
2014 (14) - 1.6 Zetec Euro 5 5dr
£2,500
Ford Focus
2007 (07) - 1.6 Zetec Climate 5dr