Verdict
The third generation Ford Focus is more refined, efficient and safer than ever before, although it lacks the sharp-edged driving thrills of previous models.

Expert rating: 4.0

Pros
• Well equipped
• Comfortable and quiet
• Excellent Ecoboost petrol engines

Cons
• Steering lacks feel
• Feels a little cramped up front
• High price against rivals

1. Exterior: 4/5
The third-generation Focus has sleek lines and all models come with alloy wheels, although it looks best on 18-inch rims. The front has Ford's family look, while the rear is dominated by huge tail lights, which wrap around the sides of the car.

2. Interior: 4/5
The interior is thoroughly modern, with clear instrumentation. The plastics look and feel high quality, but although the controls are logically arranged, the sheer number of them on higher-spec models can appear intimidating. The seats are comfortable, however.

3. Practicality: 4/5
Practicality has been sacrificed for style; if practicality is key, there's always the C-MAX. Space in the front is average, although the large centre console makes it feel more cramped than it is. Leg and head room in the back are good, and storage spaces beside the seats are useful. The Focus hatchback gives away almost 60 litres of boot space to the Volkswagen Golf, but at 316 litres it's still pretty big. The seats fold flat once the seat bases have been flipped forward, adding to its carrying capacity.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
The Focus feels more grown up than previous models, with more comfort and refinement than ever. Even with the 18-inch alloys it rides smoothly over bumps, but the suspension is firm enough to allow it to corner well. The steering is direct, but feels a little too light.

5. Performance: 4/5
Petrol engines are all 1.6, featuring outputs of 104, 123 and 148bhp - the latter is an exceptional performer. The other petrol units are more average, reaching 62mph in 11-12 seconds. Diesel choices are more varied, with 94 and 113bhp 1.6-litre engines and 2-litre units developing 138 and 160bhp. Zero to 62mph figures range between 12.5 and 8.6 seconds.

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6. Running costs: 4/5
All engines' emissions fall beneath 140g/km. The 1.6-litre diesels are the cheapest to run, with emissions of 109g/km and an official average fuel consumption figure of 67.3mpg. Insurance, servicing and repair costs should be in line with key rivals.

7. Reliability: 3/5
The Focus appears well built, and our test car, one of the first built, was without any rattles, creaks or niggles. Ford's reputation for quality is growing, so we'd hope the Focus - which will sell 90,000 a year in the UK alone - will be built to a high standard.

8. Safety: 4/5
All models have ESP, traction control and multiple airbags. The optional Driver Assistance Pack includes lane monitoring and driver drowsiness warning, automatic high beam, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring and a system to reduce low-speed crashes, and is superb value.

9. Equipment: 4/5
All four grades are very well equipped. The Edge features air-con, electric mirrors, a digital radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and a fuel cap to prevent mis-fuelling. The Zetec adds alloy wheels, a heated windscreen, sports front seats, heated door mirrors and additional cabin storage. Titanium models have a Sony stereo, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control and LED lighting. The Titanium X adds larger alloys, part-leather trim, heated front seats and electric drivers' seat and park sensors.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The third generation Focus is the most mature yet. It shuns some of the driver enjoyment of previous models for additional refinement and a more upmarket appearance. It's a worthy challenger to the best in class.