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.
£16,498
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost Active 5dr
£15,700
Ford Focus
2015 - 2.0 TDCi 185 ST-3 5dr- With Heated Seats Manual
£11,297
Ford Focus
2020 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Active X 5-Door
£17,000
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line X 5dr- With Heated Seats & Heated Steering Wheel Manua
£12,900
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 Titanium Edition 5dr Auto- With Convenience Pack AUTO
£16,257
Ford Focus
2020 (70) - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 ST-Line X 5dr Auto Diesel Hatchback
£10,990
Ford Focus
2021 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 ST-Line 5dr
£17,489
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.5 ST-Line X TDCi 5DR Hatch Diesel
£9,000
Ford Focus
2021 (71) - 1.5 EcoBlue Zetec Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)
£6,295
Ford Focus
2016 (16) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5dr
£11,300
Ford Focus
2021 (21) - 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Active Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s)
£11,300
Ford Focus
2018 (68) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)
£11,250
Ford Focus
2019 (19) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line X Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£3,795
Ford Focus
2013 (63) - 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium Navigator 5dr
£21,999
Ford Focus
2023 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 155 ST-Line Vign 5dr Auto
£15,381
Ford Focus
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale 5dr Manual
£6,695
Ford Focus
2015 (15) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec S 5dr