The Ford Focus was first released in 1998. Since then it has become a class leader, only ducking out occasionally from its top spot in the segment. Rivals such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corollas, Aurises, and Renault Meganes have tried to catch up to the Ford Focus’ success but haven’t reached the same level of success and fame. Whichever time frame you’re looking at, the Ford Focus still comes out as the best medium-sized family car. The current Ford Focus offers a wide array of engine choices that go from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol to the Ecoboost unit. Trims still include upgrades to the Zetec, Edge, Titanium, and Titanium X.

Pros

The Ford Focus’ first styling in 1998 introduced the so-called “new edge.” It was a shocking look but not shocking enough to prevent it from being a best seller among buyers in Britain. The current Ford Focus continues such success with Martin Smith’s kinetic design theme from the C-Max and Fiesta. This look creates the illusion of movement even though the Focus is idle on the road. The lines and creases that go come out from and meld into the body are responsible for the car’s kinetic movement even on standstill.

The design’s engineering features include suspension through the front MacPhersons struts and the rear’s control blade multi-link set-up. Another major revision is the Focus’ removal of the three-door setup, only coming with five-doors.

The Ford Focus may not be the roomiest car in the market, but its limitations aren’t cause for complaint either. Boot capacity is competitive at 316 litres to 1148 litres once the seats and tyre repair kit are down. The finish and fit of the cabin front features neat chrome switches and touches, all of which allow for slick operation. The restraint in design makes it practical in functionality and form next to the flashier design of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The driver will have no problem navigating through the ergonomically design of the centre console and dashboard. Digital graphics quality is top notch, making it easy for anyone on board to handle.

Performance is just as impressive as the exterior design and engineering. The 1.6 TDCi 113bhp unit is the most popular choice, even though its not the most powerful engine in the range. Nonetheless its ability to propel the 1380kg weight of the Focus makes it more than impressive, along with the unit’s economy and emission requirements compliance. Refinement isn’t a major issue either.

Cons

The previous Ford Focus’ warmth and dynamism has been lost in the current models. Although many of the new model’s changes have improved performance and ride handling significantly, the entertainment factor has been lost as a compromise. Nonetheless ride handling compensates as a significant change, able to give you a relaxing cruise however difficult the road surface. As previously mentioned, room is limited compared to other rivals. But it’s not inadequate either given the standard size of the vehicle; it will depend on the consumer’s required legroom and headroom, particularly with the number of passengers expected in a family or a regular carpool group.

In 1998, Ford Motor Company launched its new model of small family car by the name of Ford Focus. This was created as a replacement for the Ford Escort (Europe) and Ford Laser in Australasia.

The first generation of Focus was available in the period covering 1998 until 2005. In 2001, the car was created in several types including a three door hatchback, a five door hatchback, a foor door sedan, and a five door wagon. The second generation of Focus was released in 2005 and remained in the market until 2010. This version was first displayed in September 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, and the four-door sedan version was showed in the same year at the Beijing Motor Show as the Focus Concept.

The third generation Focus was launched in 2010 and is still in the market up to the present time. The 2011 release of this model was displayed originally at the North American International Auto Show in 2010 as a five door hatchback model. Ford Focus was also made available in an electric version in 2011 at the Consumer Electronics Show. This was to compete against its rivals Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf. Other versions include the ST Estate, which was called the Hot Hatch of the Year 2012, and the Focus World Rally Car.