Ford Focus

Focus owners used to be jealous of the VW Golf's solid build and engineering, even though the Ford was better to drive. But they won't be any longer. Some of the original's chassis dynamics have been lost and the new design is unadventurous, but the car has matured in every other area - proving itself to be a winner in the UK.

We've poked it, prodded it, driven it in left-hand drive across Europe and seen how it compares to top-class rivals - but now Auto Express has brought the Focus to the UK. In one of the first three-door 'right-hookers' to hit these shores, we have completed a gruelling test - and only now can we judge whether Ford's new family star really makes the grade here in Britain.

As well as our usual thorough first drive assessment, we put together a series of tough challenges for the new Focus to rate its practicality, refinement, handling and economy here in the UK, where it matters most. Subjected to all the rigours of British motoring, has the Focus got the mettle to follow its top-selling predecessor - or will it prove to be a bit of a disappointment?

With the previous-generation Focus offering hot hatch handling no matter what was under the bonnet, expectations are predictably high for the new variant. As a result, it's no surprise that the first part of our test was conducted from the driver's seat.

The good news is that despite the extra challenges presented by the UK's winding, potholed tarmac, Ford's high dynamic standards have been maintained. With immense front-end grip, the Focus is capable of carrying plenty of speed through corners, and has a superbly balanced chassis. Diehard fans will miss the pin-sharp steering and lively characteristics of the outgoing version, but the extra maturity and composure offered by the new model make this Focus a more complete package.

Tackle a long motorway journey and the car really comes into its own. Thicker glass and greater sound deadening make the interior quieter, while the suspension smooths out even the worst UK road surfaces. Our model was powered by Ford's all-new 113bhp 1.6 Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) petrol engine, which replaces the current 1.8. Easily the most advanced petrol unit in the range, the four-cylinder motor boasts 14bhp more than the conventional 1.6, but is claimed to return a five per cent improvement in fuel economy, resulting in 43.8mpg in the combined cycle - although we only managed 32.7mpg. Our only complaint with the new powerplant is its lacklustre performance at low revs. With the peak torque of 155Nm not arriving until 4,150rpm, the engine needs revving to get the best from it. Ford's official figures suggest 0-62mph takes 10.8 seconds, and the unit felt every bit as quick as that on a private test track.

But the blue oval hasn't forgotten what compact family cars are about. While the five-door is the better choice for buyers who carry adults in the back, the three-door is still spacious enough, and offers impressive boot space. The materials used are also of a higher quality than those in the outgoing model, while the cabin is more comfortable.

So has Ford created the perfect compact hatchback? Almost. When it comes to the styling, the Focus is something of a letdown. It immediately blends anonymously into the British traffic, and although the three-door is undoubtedly the sportier of the two, it still appears bland from many angles.

Go for this top-of-the-range Titanium model and you get 17-inch alloys, which provide some visual impact - but the price is likely to be a turn-off. In three-door form, this Focus will cost £14,925, although it comes with standard equipment including part leather-seats and air-con. Opt for basic trim and the Ford offers far better value.

There's no doubt the UK offers a unique set of challenges to any new car, but the Focus answers most of them comprehensively and is sure to be a hit.