Ford Focus Hatchback 2005 - Present

The Ford Focus is the UK's biggest selling car, a place it's occupied since it's launch in 1998, and deservedly so. Offering sensational handling and a range of engines to suit everyones needs it remains hard to beat.

There are eight different engine options available; four petrol, three diesel and a bi fuel option. As with many models of car, the bottom of the range are a little underpowered, although not drastically so, and they offer good economy at 42 mpg. Pick of the bunch is really the 1.6 petrol engine which has a top speed of 118 and 0-60 slightly over 10 seconds and matches the 42 mpg of it's little brother. Similarly the 1.6 Diesel offers a better motor than it's bigger brother with more guile and usable power.

The ride is where the Focus really shines. Cornering is precise with enough feedback to really enjoy the drive while offering comfort for those more interested in travelling than the act of driving. The suspension is set up to offer comfort throughout the cabin and great poise on the road. With no body roll the car effortlessly glides corner to corner leaving the passengers unaware of how much fun the driver is having.

Aided by the suspension the seats offer a pleasant journey and while there could be a bit more legroom in the rear it's sufficient for all but the tallest passenger. Visibility is good throughout the cabin and road noise is kept to a minimum.

There are cars that come in cheaper but they don't offer the same sensational drive and performance, and are unlikely to trouble the Focus on the value for money stakes.

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