Ford Focus

Quick Summary Recommended. The original Focus was revolutionary. This one is more evolutionary, but it is still an excellent product. Full Road Test We loved the original Focus - one of the most radical mainstream cars in recent memory, and by far the coolest thing to happen to the dowdy mid-sized hatchback segment in the last decade. Improving on it was always going to be a hard task for Ford - keeping the fun and improving on the lowest-bidder trim quality. Yet, with a couple of reservations, the second-generation model has managed it. The cabin has been dramatically improved. While the original car felt like it had been trimmed by the same people responsible for McDonalds cartons, inside this one manages to radiate a real quality feel. Driving dynamics remain exemplary too, with ultra-accurate steering, a well-damped ride and properly sorted body control making the Focus a brilliant place to spend time on favourite "B" road. Motorway cruising is similarly accomplished, the Focus remaining calm and stable at speed, while the comfortable driving position helps to pass long stints at the wheel. All have decent passenger space, while saloon and estate variants have massive boots as well. And the bad news? Well cheaper versions suffer from a sometimes stingy lack of kit - and the more basic engines are lacking in urge and refinement compared to rivals, the gutless 1.4 being particularly bad - book overtaking moves at least a fortnight in advance. The styling is still likely to split opinions, too -although we reckon the more you see it, the more you like it.

Verdict On Cars | November 29, 2006

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