The Ford Focus has been providing reliable and good-looking transport to the masses for decades, which is why it was so surprising when Ford announced that it would be discontinued in 2025. However, the Focus remains a great all-rounder, while later mild-hybrid cars bring added efficiency. It is also one of the most sensible used cars you can buy today.
The Ford Focus is a household name in the UK, having proven to be a solid family car option since the early 2000s. Though discontinued, the Focus still represents a great buy for all types of drivers.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe Ford Focus was discontinued in 2025, meaning that it can no longer be purchased new. Dealers still have some stock to sell, however, which is the closest you can get to a brand-new version.
That said, the huge popularity of the Focus means that there are plenty to choose from on the used market. The latest models in high-end ST-Line X trim come in at around £24,990 with just over 10,000 miles on the clock, while very clean examples can be found for just under £20,000. In truth, there’s a Focus model to fit nearly every budget - it just depends on what trim level you require and how many miles you’re happy for the car to have covered. In addition, the Focus was updated in 2021, so we’d be looking to cars built after this point if you want the latest levels of technology.
The latest Focus models were primarily petrol-powered. While you can get diesel versions on earlier examples, Ford had begun to phase this out as it moved towards discontinuation. That said, the very latest petrol engines fit the Focus package well, with an entry-level 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost model bringing decent performance and efficiency. It’s linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, too, which is smooth and easy to operate.
From there, you had a higher-powered version of the same engine. With 155bhp, it’s also a mild-hybrid model for greater efficiency, but it brings some extra punch compared to the entry-level engine. Unlike that setup, it can only be specified with an automatic gearbox, but this does help to give the Focus a more grown-up, premium feel from behind the wheel.
The Focus has always been an ‘everyday’ car that could still put a smile on your face in terms of driving and that remained the case with the latest generation car. Against the competition such as the Volkswagen Golf or Vauxhall Astra the Focus remains great fun to drive, and it’s helped by good visibility at both front and rear. The latest Focus was also available as an ‘Active’ model with a 30mm bump in ride height, so opt for this version if you’d like a more elevated view of the road ahead.
Whether hatchback or estate, the Focus is also a breeze to park. The steering has some good weight to it, too, and though it can feel a little ‘elastic’ - something that many Fords suffer with - it’s accurate and helps to make driving the Focus easy and direct.
The Focus has a sportier setup than many of its rivals, but even though it’s a little bit firmer, it still doesn’t suffer from crashiness. It does a great job of dealing with potholes as a result, while cars on smaller alloy wheels feel even better in this area. As with previous Focus generations, this latest car is remarkably planted through the bends, too, and this helps to bring extra confidence.
The small EcoBoost engines do a great job of powering the Focus, too, though the automatic version can feel a little dim-witted at times. Press on the throttle and there’s quite a delay before the power actually arrives. The six-speed manual, in contrast, is a joy to use thanks to a light action and an accurate feel overall.
An update to the Focus in 2021 introduced some big updates to the infotainment system, with a wider screen and up-to-date software bringing some much-needed features. The only downside to this update is that it removed nearly all of the physical controls and dials, migrating features into the screen instead. On the move, this setup is a lot less intuitive and feels like something of a step back. The screen itself is easy enough to use, but it’d be much easier to have a few physical controls as well.
Overall quality in the Focus is good enough, but it’s let down in areas by some shiny plastics that lower the overall feeling in the cabin. It would’ve been better had some of these areas been given a textured material instead, but at least they’re hard-wearing and shouldn’t be too susceptible to damage or scuffs.
There’s lots of space on offer inside the Focus. Those up front have a good view of the road ahead and there’s a good amount of shoulder room, too. The driver’s seat gets plenty of adjustability as standard, too, which should ensure that you’ll find the right position first-time. Large door pockets should help to keep the interior of the Focus tidy, too. We also like the large central storage cubby and the dedicated area for your phone.
In the back, things are just as good. There’s more than enough space for a six-foot person to sit comfortably without their head hitting the roof of the car. Unlike many rivals, the Focus also has a relatively flat floor at the back, meaning that three can sit in the rear with less difficulty than you might expect. At 358 litres in standard hatchback models, the Focus offers a decent amount of boot space, though it’s outclassed by the Skoda Octavia in this area. However, if you need more room then we’d recommend the Estate model which gets a slightly larger boot.
As mentioned, an update in 2021 introduced a larger screen to the Focus bringing greater connectivity than before. You now get satellite navigation as standard alongside both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring systems. Look out for ‘X’ trim levels if you want wireless smartphone charging, too. There are plenty of power outlets throughout the Focus, however, so there should be a place for all occupants to get their devices topped up.
Popular ST-Line cars are the go-to choice for drivers after a sportier-feeling Focus as with a firmer suspension setup and larger wheels, it does feel racier. The Focus is also available with a large digital instrument cluster, which is clear and easy to read thanks to an intuitive layout and design.
When it was discontinued, the Focus was available with two specifications - ST-Line and ST-Line X Edition .
Standard ST-Line cars get a sportier look through 17-inch alloy wheels finished in grey metallic paint, as well as large air intakes. Inside, there’s a 13.2-inch infotainment system which gets all key connectivity features, as well as standard navigation. Front and rear parking sensors are also included at this grade as well as cruise control. LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear lights also help with nighttime visibility.
ST-Line X Edition, meanwhile, adds in 18-inch machined alloy wheels and red brake calipers alongside rear privacy glass.
However, post-2021 when the Focus was updated it remained available with a wider range of specifications, including go-anywhere Active models which got a chunkier, go-anywhere-inspired look and an increase in ride height. It’s worth browsing AA Cars to find a specification which could work for you, though these final ST-Line and ST-Line X Edition cars did have a high level of equipment as standard.
There’s a good range of colours available on the used market, with Ford’s typically bright and eye-catching blues and reds available.
When it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, the Ford Focus was awarded the maximum five-star rating which reflected a very high safety level. Testers praised its adult and child occupant protection levels alongside its number of assistance systems. You do get features such as autonomous emergency braking with pre-collision assist, as well as both pedestrian and cyclist detection technology to help boost this car’s safety levels.
In terms of reliability, the Focus has always done well with solidly-made interiors that stand the test of time. We can’t see the latest model being any different in this regard. However, some reliability issues have arisen with the EcoBoost engine, so we’d make sure that any car you’re looking at has a full service history and routine maintenance to avoid any mechanical issues further down the line.
If you opt for one of the latest mild-hybrid Focus models then you shouldn’t have too many concerns with regard to running costs. Ford claims up to 53.3mpg combined, which is respectable, while earlier diesel cars should be able to match or exceed this - though they’re likely to be higher emitting. At 119 to 120g/km CO2, the mild-hybrid petrol is quite clean-running and this will help to reduce tax costs, too.
Nearly all Ford Focus models from this generation will carry the standard £195 yearly road tax charge, helping to make running costs more affordable.
London
AA finance available
London
London
Connect with us
