Review of the new Ford Focus 1.4-Litre Range

There wasn't very much wrong with the original Ford Focus, so it must have been a daunting task for the designers to come up with an improved model. Having set the bench mark for the sector with the first Focus, the competition didn't take long in responding, so Ford needed to move the game on with the current generation. That car has since been facelifted and today's Focus certainly looks the part but does the entry-level 1.4-litre model we look at here have enough about it to cut the mustard?

This Focus certainly looks good value for money. The 78bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine is not going to set any land speed records but then purchasers of this entry level model have other priorities when selecting their cars. What they do get, is a class-leading family hatchback that drives with nearly all the refinement of any luxury saloon and certainly handles a lot better. Ford have also paid close attention to safety with the new Focus as it features their Intelligent Protection System.

This comprehensive package of safety measures includes ESP stability control as well as front and side airbags for both driver and front passenger. There are also front seat belt pre-tensioners, front seat belt load-limiting retractors and a foot pedal intrusion prevention system. It is amazing how far we have come over recent years with regard to safety. It is not that long ago that technology like this would only have been offered on a top of the range executive model whereas now it is standard equipment on an entry level family hatch.

Ford's tried and trusted 1.4-litre petrol unit will get the new Focus to 62mph in a leisurely 14.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 102mph. More importantly for this car though is the fuel consumption that returns a healthy 42mpg on the combined cycle and the reasonable emissions figure of 159g/km.

". a class-leading family hatchback that drives with nearly all the refinement of any luxury saloon and certainly handles a lot better"

This 1.4-litre model is only offered in three or five-door Hatch form with prices starting from around £14,500 for the Studio trim level 3-door model. This features electrically-operated front windows with one-touch lowering on the driver's side, Ford's Intelligent Protection system, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, an immobiliser and central locking.

Benefiting from Ford's 'kinetic design' approach to styling, the latest Focus takes its inspiration from its larger Mondeo stablemate. Trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bolder wheel arches, re-shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and smarter tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler.

Inside, the more upmarket aura continues. Nicer soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by plusher seat fabrics plus a variety of more attractive fascia finishings. The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved.

Ford were the first of the major manufacturers to realise that people were growing in size - both out and up - and designed the original Focus to suit drivers of all sizes with wider opening doors and more headroom than the class norm. This latest Focus expands on this theme, offering an optional electrically adjustable pedal set. The multi-adjustable steering column helps in ensuring a comfortable driving position and Ford have integrated a number of practical aspects from the C-MAX mini-MPV including a glove box big enough to house a 1.5-litre bottle, a sunglasses holder, a dash-top cubby and class-leading luggage space.

Although it seems hard to believe given that almost coupe-like silhouette, the MK2 Focus design actually improved on the rear seat accommodation and luggage space of the MK1. The compact control-blade rear suspension helps the five-door hatch model achieve a hefty 385-litre carrying capacity, as the load bay is completely flat and unencumbered by suspension intrusion.

If the budget is tight and you are not looking for out and out performance, then this Focus makes very good sense. It is crammed with sensible safety devices should the unthinkable happen and Ford have packaged it sensibly with just enough creature comforts to ensure this model will find sufficient buyers.

TOP 5 FOCUS DEALS

The results below show the top FOCUS deals on buyacar

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium 5dr Diesel Hatchback
Price £15,908 Read Focus Reviews	Save £3,937
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £16,736 Read Focus Reviews	Save £4,209
Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium X 5dr Hatchback
Price £16,185 Read Focus Reviews	Save £4,560
Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Hatchback
Price £14,869 Read Focus Reviews	Save £4,126
Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Estate
Price £15,696 Read Focus Reviews	Save £4,399
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