TO boot or not to boot. That's a question answered by thousands of Ford owners whose response has been to kick saloon versions of the Focus into touch.
A shame really because as somebody who can't get excited by the five-door's hatchback styling, I find the saloon a breath of fresh air.
Four-door models only joined the latest Focus line-up in late spring and to my mind add an extra dimension to the range.
For instance, several people asked me if the car was the new Mondeo, which speaks volumes for the saloon's appeal.
And while hatchback cars have long been an obsession with British drivers, it's not as if the saloon lacks practicality. On the contrary, it boasts a large boot and rear seats that split and fold.
Interior space in general is better than adequate with ample room for heads and legs while there are plenty of storage cubbies and slots including door bins, a glovebox and front and rear drinks holders.
A strength of the Focus is its sensibly laid out cabin and durable, soft touch switches that are so easily accessible.
And thanks to oval airvents above the integrated CD sound system and air speed, temperature and direction dials, the centre console projects the effect of a smiling face.
What can really make a driver beam with delight in this model however is the two-litre TDCi engine which offers 50mpg plus economy with some genuine punch. It's not the most silent of diesels, particularly at idle, but in-gear performance is terrific.
In fact the only criticism concerns the six-speed transmission which lacks the smoothness of the five-speed manual shift.
Overall this Focus, like just about every other model and bodystyle in the range, is dynamically superior in all departments and a joy to pilot, with a near perfect driving position.
It is composed over rough surfaces, very stable at high speed, nimble through tight bends and rewards the driver with a well balanced feel from the steering.
The latest Focus range actually stretches to no less than 167 models, something to suit just about every pocket. It's the bulging ones that are most likely to opt for the tested version though, especially in Titanium trim.
This is the top level of the six spec grades and kitted out like an executive saloon with the likes of fully adjustable seats, 16-inch alloys, front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, electric windows and mirrors, air-con, alarm, immobiliser, Sony CD system, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming rear view mirror.
The Focus has also achieved a best in class Euro NCAP five-star occupant safety rating to go with four stars for child protection.
FAST FACTS
Ford Focus Titanium 2.0 TDCi 4dr
Price: £17,875
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 9.4 secs
Combined mpg: 50.5
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust