Model tested: Focus 1.6 Zetec Climate five-door
Price: £15,295
Date tested: November 2007
Road tester: Adrian Hearn

Overall rating: 80%
Since its launch at the end of 1998, the Focus has been one of the UK's most popular cars. Ford has added a hot ST version, coupe-cabriolet, saloon and estate to the range – which all hold their own against rivals.

1. Looks
The Focus stands out as a brilliant design, with its angular-but-elliptical front lights and grille, plus a rear that's dominated by vertical lighting. The wheelarches are also nicely filled by 16-inch alloys.
8/10

2. Looks inside
The interior features lots of dark plastics with faux chrome housings, while the dials are clear and simple. Like the exterior, the inside looks safe but isn't boring, with comfortable, supportive seats.
8/10

3. Practicality
Our five-door model could comfortably seat four adults, but we wouldn't recommend a third rear-seat passenger. The 364-litre boot is adequate, but it's way off main rivals like the Golf and Civic.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Focus Climate features sports suspension, so the ride is firm but comfortable. It's only when you hit battered B-roads that the ride becomes uncomfortable, although it remains stable under cornering and has plenty of grip.
9/10

5. Performance
The 1.6 petrol engine produces 113bhp and 114lb/ft of torque, to give 0-60mph in 11 seconds and a 114mph top speed. The engine needs to be revved to get the most out of it, leading to poor fuel economy.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
With its 1.6-litre petrol engine, the Focus officially averages 42.8mpg; we achieved just 32mpg though. It emits 157g/km of CO2, giving an annual tax bill of £140, while a service is needed every 12,500 miles.
8/10

7. Reliability
The Focus is a well-built car full of durable plastics. The Zetec engine is reliable, but if something does go wrong, you're covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty.
9/10

8. Safety
All models feature driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, ISOFIX child seat mountings and ABS; our test car featured six airbags, plus ESP and traction control at an additional £250. The Focus carries a five-star EuroNCAP rating.
9/10

9. Equipment
The Focus Zetec Climate features 16-inch alloys, sports suspension, chrome grille and a heated windscreen.
7/10

10. X-Factor
It's Britain's most popular hatchback for a reason – it's great to drive, reliable and has a huge range of engines. But compared with the space-age Honda Civic, the Focus is very conservative.
7/10