It’s back to basics this week with the entry-level Ford Focus. Al Suttie finds out if it’s bread and water rations or milk and honey.
1 – There’s something pleasingly simple about a base model and this Focus is unfettered by excessive tech or spec.
2 – This extends to the five-speed manual gearbox, which shows more gear ratios do not necessarily improve the drive or flexibility.
3 – Fantastically polished gear shift is matched by the thrum of the EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that happy to rev hard.
4 – Just as well it revs sweetly as, with 100PS, this engine is just too underpowered for motorways and mixed driving.
5 – A claimed economy of 61.4mpg is good. A real-world consumption of 41.9mpg during our time is much less so.
6 – Economy aside, it’s hard to fault the latest Focus for ride, handling, refinement and long distance comfort.
7 – Style trim brings basic trim but clear dash-top display is easy to read and Ford’s big button simplicity just works.
8 – Boot is a decent size, but that carpet fabric is determined to hang on to every spec of dirt.
9 – Some journos might moan Ford has softened off the Focus, but it’s still an unsurpassed joy to drive on back roads.
10 – It’s also a doddle to park in tight spots thanks to power steering that balances feel with sufficient assistance.
