Ever since Ford launched the Focus in the late '90s it's been firmly routed to the top of the UK family hatchback sales chart. Its modern styling, excellent driving dynamics and affordable running costs really struck a chord with UK customers.
This is the third generation model and Ford has stuck to its principles of creating a car that's all things to all drivers. The styling has moved on from the second generation with narrower headlamps and a slightly raised grille, which gives it greater presence on the road and a more conservative look. It's certainly got a bit more personality than the playing-it-safe looks of the Volkswagen Golf.
The big changes are noticable inside with an all-new, very much needed dashboard layout. The cabin plastics are right up to date and it's covered in soft touch plastics and switches and dials that are easy to operate. Getting comforatble behind the wheel is a piece of cake – the steering is fully adjustable, as is the seat. Where the Focus is let down, though, is space. It isn't the most practical family hatch out there – the boot is smaller than cars like the Nissan Pulsar. Leg room in the back is also not quite up to its rivals either.
One of the biggest selling points for the Focus has always been its driving dynamics. It's comfortable yet agile thanks to a great chassis and excellent steering, so you won't be surprised to hear it's business as usual with the latest model. It's more engaging than an Astra, Golf and even some premium family hatchbacks too.
There's a wide selection of engines to choose from, from the one litre EcoBoost which pumps out 123bhp and does 60 miles to the gallon, through to a heart-stopping ST and RS version. The best diesel to go for is the 118bhp 1.5 litre as it revs sweetly and has enough 'oomph' to keep pace on motorways.
That's what we think of the third generation Ford Focus, but what do some young professionals make of it? Watch the video above to find out.
