Ford Focus
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family hatchback that combines practicality with genuine driving enjoyment? The Ford Focus might be exactly what you need. This well established family car has built a reputation for offering sharp handling, solid build quality, and impressive technology in a package that works for everyday life. It’s the car for drivers who want more than just basic transport without paying premium prices.

The Focus has been a mainstay in British driveways for decades, and the current generation shows why it remains so popular. Its clean, modern styling gives it a confident road presence that stands out from rivals like the Volkswagen Golf or Vauxhall Astra. The interior feels grown up and well built, with technology and materials that wouldn’t look out of place in a more expensive car. You get the sense that Ford has really focused on getting the details right.

What sets the Focus apart is how it drives. The steering is precise and engaging, while the suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It’s a car that makes even mundane journeys feel more interesting, with handling that encourages you to take the scenic route home. While some newer rivals might offer slightly better fuel economy or more rear seat space, the Focus delivers that intangible quality that makes driving enjoyable rather than just functional.

What's the Ford Focus Like to Drive?

The Ford Focus offers a well chosen range of engines designed to balance performance with efficiency. The entry level 1.0 litre EcoBoost three cylinder petrol engine produces around 125 horsepower and provides lively performance for daily driving. It feels responsive around town and has enough power for confident motorway cruising. For those wanting more performance, the 1.5 litre EcoBoost delivers around 150 horsepower and covers 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds.

Where the Focus truly excels is in its driving dynamics. The steering is beautifully weighted and provides excellent feedback, making the car feel connected to the road. The suspension setup is expertly tuned, soaking up bumps and potholes while remaining composed through corners. This makes it one of the most engaging family hatchbacks to drive, with handling that builds confidence whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling country roads. The six speed manual gearbox is slick and precise, adding to the overall driving pleasure.

Inside the Ford Focus: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Focus and you’re greeted by one of the better interiors in its class. The dashboard layout is clean and logical, with physical controls for key functions alongside the central touchscreen. The materials feel solid and well chosen, with soft touch plastics in the right places and attractive trim details. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment to help you get comfortable.

The front seats offer good support for both short trips and longer journeys, with higher spec models getting particularly impressive sports seats. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a refined cabin environment that makes motorway cruising relaxing. Standard equipment includes Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with smartphone integration, while higher trim levels add features like wireless phone charging and premium audio systems. The overall ambience feels upmarket and thoughtfully designed.

Is the Ford Focus Expensive to Run?

As a mainstream family car, the Focus delivers reasonable running costs that won’t stretch the household budget too far. The efficient EcoBoost engines are the highlight, with real world fuel economy typically falling between 45 and 50 mpg depending on your driving style and conditions. Insurance groups are moderate, usually falling between groups 12 and 18 for most variants, which helps keep annual premiums reasonable.

The Focus represents solid value in the used car market, with good availability and competitive pricing. While it may not be the absolute cheapest option in its class, the superior driving experience and build quality justify the modest premium over more basic rivals. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable thanks to Ford’s widespread dealer network and good parts availability. For those looking at car finance options, the Focus’s strong residual values make it attractive for both hire purchase and personal contract purchase deals.

Ford Focus Practicality & Boot Space

For a family hatchback, the Focus strikes an excellent balance between size and usability. The 375 litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shop or holiday luggage for a family of four. The rear seats split and fold in a 60:40 configuration as standard, allowing you to carry longer items while still seating passengers. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of useful storage spaces for phones, drinks, and family essentials.

Rear seat space is adequate for adults on shorter trips and comfortable for children on longer journeys. While it may not have quite as much rear legroom as some rivals, most families will find it perfectly acceptable for everyday use. The Focus works particularly well for couples or small families who want a car that feels substantial and well built. Compared to other used Ford cars, the Focus offers an ideal combination of manageable size and genuine practicality that makes it easy to live with day to day.

The Ford Focus continues to set the standard for what a family hatchback should be. It successfully combines engaging driving dynamics with practical everyday usability, wrapped in a package that feels well built and thoroughly modern. The excellent handling, refined ride, and quality interior create a driving experience that makes the mundane feel special.

You choose the Focus because you want more from your family car than just basic transport. Its superb road manners, impressive technology, and solid build quality ensure that every journey feels rewarding. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a family adventure, the Focus delivers the perfect blend of capability and character. For those considering cars under £10,000, used Focus models offer exceptional value while maintaining that essential Ford driving appeal.