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 latest generation. That car has since been face lifted and the current 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?

With prices starting at £11,945, 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 101mph. 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 £11,945 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. Another trim level available with the 1.4-litre unit is the Style which starts from £13,445 and features, in addition to the Studio model, 16-inch steel wheels, front fog lights, remote-control central locking, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, a trip computer, body-coloured door handles, air-conditioning and steering column remote audio controls.

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. In the Estate version, there's 475 cubic litres of load space with the 60/40 rear bench in place, but drop the seats and there's a cavernous 1525 litres, making the Focus a good deal bigger than many executive class estate cars. With the seats in place the load bay is just over 104cm long, 116cm wide and up to 89cm high. With the rear seats folded you have a 167cm long distance from seat back to tailgate.

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.