The Ford Focus has traditionally set the benchmark in the family hatchback sector of the market. Of that there's no doubt. The MK2 version, however, has a tougher family hatch fight on its hands than its predecessor. Maybe the latest facelift will be enough to keep it on top. Time for an up to date judgement then - and where better to start with the entry-level 'Studio' versions?

Prices start at £11,945 for the 78bhp 1.4-litre petrol engined 3-door Studio. Of course this variant isn't going to set any land speed records but then purchasers of this type of car have other priorities when selecting their vehicles. What they do get, however, is top class family hatchback that drives with much of the refinement previously reserved in latter times for luxury saloons that couldn't hold a candle to the way this car handles. The 5-door hatchback bodystyle offers a choice of the 1.4-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel. The Studio trim level also offers an estate option featuring a1.6-litre Duratec petrol unit or the 1.6-litre TDCi.

The comprehensive package of safety measures on the Studio 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 entry-level Focus Studio 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 and here you'll return a healthy 42mpg on the combined cycle and a reasonable emissions figure of 159g/km. The 1.6-litre TDCi diesel which features in the 5-door model does the sprint in 11.3 seconds and hits a top speed of 115mph. Fuel consumption is an impressive 59mpg on the combined cycle and the emissions' figure of 127g/km has very 'green' credentials.

"?Ford have concentrated on providing safety and comfort features rather than load it with flashy gismos"

The Studio trim level 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, black bodyside mouldings, rake and reach adjustable steering, front overhead courtesy light with theatre-style dimming and a 60:40 split-back rear seat with ISOFIX child seat mounting provision. These represent practical and sensible features for customers with limited funds.

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 than the Studio 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 Focus to suit drivers of all sizes with wider opening doors and more headroom than the class norm. Although it seems hard to believe given that almost coupe-like silhouette, the latest Focus design actually improves the rear seat accommodation and luggage space. This is partly due to Ford increasing the length of the rear overhang slightly to give a hefty 385-litre carrying capacity. The compact control-blade rear suspension helps here, as the load bay is completely flat and unencumbered by suspension intrusion.

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.

On a tight budget, the Ford Focus Studio is a wise choice. It's crammed with sensible safety devices should the unthinkable happen and Ford have packaged it carefully with very practical features. It may not wow the neighbours with flashing lights and clever gadgets but you will have one of the best packaged cars on the market and one that is also safe and practical.