Ford Focus
One of the class best-sellers is still a tough rival in 1.0-litre petrol guise
THE original Ford Focus proved that a family car could be fun and functional, and this Mk4 continues that tradition. We’re testing a 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost model in Titanium X trim, which costs £23,395 (although our pictures are of a 2.0 diesel).
Design & engineering
FORD’S latest C2 platform underpins the Focus, and like its rivals here, this version uses MacPherson struts for the front suspension and a rear torsion beam. A more complex multi-link rear set-up is available on some Focus models, and while 1.0-litre 125 models make do with the cheaper set-up, this isn’t an issue.
The 1.0-litre engine is the smallest on test, and with 123bhp it’s also the least powerful, but its 200Nm of torque matches the 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit in the Leon. Like both rivals, the Focus uses a slick six-speed manual gearbox and is front-wheel drive only.
The Ford’s interior is a strong point, because it has a higher-quality feel than its rivals. There are fewer hard plastics and more soft-touch materials in key places, while the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the best here. The design of the dashboard isn’t quite as neat and tidy as the Leon’s, but it’s just as easy to use – all three have physical climate controls, rather than being integrated into a screen, which is good news.
Ford’s SYNC3 system includes DAB radio, Bluetooth, sat-nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, so the only thing it’s missing next to its rivals is a wireless phone charger, which costs £100. Other kit on Titanium X models includes 17-inch alloys, LED lights, heated seats with part-leather trim, keyless entry and go, climate control and a heated windscreen.
Driving
THE 123bhp 1.0-litre engine in the
Focus is strong in-gear, where it took
4.8 and 6.7 seconds to go from 30-50mph in third and fourth gear respectively. It matched the 143bhp Astra in third and beat its 6.8-second time in fourth, which is impressive given the power deficit. The Leon took 4.9 and 6.4 seconds in those two tests.
Where the engine’s lower output is more obvious is when you’re pushing hard to extract maximum performance, such as in the 0-60mph test: the Focus was the slowest of the three, taking 9.9 seconds. Still, it’s powerful enough to have fun with, and was only 0. 2 seconds behind the SEAT and half a second behind the Vauxhall. In normal driving the gap between all three doesn’t feel big, and their closely matched times in our figures are a good indication of this.
The Focus’ three-cylinder motor isn’t as quiet as the Astra’s, but it’s well isolated from the cabin, especially at idle. Push it hard and it has an entertaining thrum, so while it’s not as smooth as the four-cylinder engine in the Leon, it’s more enjoyable.
There’s a nicely weighted, precise action to the six-speed manual gearbox that means it’s satisfying to use, and the Focus’ quick steering has more life than its rivals’. These two aspects of the driving experience work together with the excellent chassis, and the Focus is a lot of fun to drive as a result. It has lots of grip in corners, but it’s also adjustable and lively if you want it to be. Like the Astra, the Ford is comfortable over rough roads, and even midcorner bumps don’t upset the car’s composure.
Potholes are noticeable but not uncomfortable, and consistently bumpy tarmac is mostly smoothed out. The Focus is a little louder inside at motorway speeds than its rivals, but it also offers a nicely judged and better executed ride and handling balance.
Practicality
THE Focus has 1,320 litres of space when the rear bench is down (depending on the spare wheel and B&O upgrade), making it the largest car here. The Astra and Leon offer 1,210 litres, but the Focus is the smallest with the seats up.
All three cars are spacious enough for adults to sit more comfortably than you might imagine in their back seats, and the Focus is lighter inside than the Astra, if not as airy as the Leon – even though they’re all very closely matched for interior space.
In the front of the Focus there’s a customisable cup-holder and storage area behind the gearlever, and there’s also space for a mobile phone by the USB port used for phone integration.
Ownership
FORD finished in 23rd place out of all the major manufacturers in our Driver Power 2019 survey, which was behind
SEAT ’s middling 14th place, but still ahead of a poor 29th place for Vauxhall.
AEB including pedestrian and cyclist detection is standard, as well as lane-keep assist and parking sensors. You can add blind-spot warning (for £400), and if you buy the £500 Convenience Pack, you get a reversing camera. Sensors cost £480 on the Astra, but a camera isn’t offered on Elite Nav. And while the Leon does come with a camera as standard, blind-spot assist isn’t available on the SEAT at all.
Running costs
COMPANY car tax is a strong point for these three, because their small petrol engines have relatively low levels of CO2.
The Focus emits 107g/km and sits in the 25 per cent bracket, which means standard-rate earners will pay £1,160 a year in tax, while the Leon emits 112g/km and sits in the 26 per cent bracket, which works out at £1, 266 in tax. The Astra is the winner here, however, because its 99g/km CO2 rating puts it in the 23 per cent bracket; it’ll cost £1,093 a year to tax.
The Vauxhall also returned the best economy on test, so it’s a cost-effective option. However, if you’re a private buyer, then the Ford’s better residuals may mean it saves you more money in the longer term.