Ford Focus on next generation

from side to side like a pinball!

The also standard emergency auto-braking system is coupled with ‘evasive steering assist’ which nudges the wheel to help you steer away from a collision - clever stuff.

The infotainment screen has a set of hard-key shortcuts, the climate control gets proper knobs and buttons, and several of the driving assist systems also get their own quick-access switches. It’s sensibly laid out with a feeling of quality.

The Ford’s Sync operating system for the eight-inch touch screen has been developed for us here in the UK, so no quirks like in some European versions and it also does CarPlay and Android auto in every trim but the entry-level Style.

The longer wheelbase means more room in the back too and the new shape of the rear doors gives passengers a better view plus a flatter rear floor means more space for the one in the middle.

Every Focus gets alloys, air-con and lane keeping assist plus autonomous emergency braking.

Go to the second trim, Zetec, and you get Apple Carplay/ Android Auto on a 6.5in touchscreen, and cruise. After that you’re into the Titanium levels and the ST-Line has a body kit and stiffer adaptive suspension. The ST-Line X adds power driver’s seat and bigger alloys with red brake callipers.

Our Titanium X has as standard 17” alloy wheels, privacy glass, part leather trim, a 6-way adjustable power driver seat and front and rear parking sensors for the £25,120 on the road price. It also came with £4,490 worth of extras, some of which were more worthwhile than others and included a £995 panoramic glass roof, uprated B&O sound system (£350), wireless phone charging (£100) and LED headlights (£750).

Prices across the range start from £18,100 for the smallest engine Style up to £27,890 on the road for the ST-Line X and if you ask me I would say Ford have another winner on their hands.

More information at www. ford.co.uk