WITH a Green Car of the Year award already under its bumper, Ford is leading the field in environmentally-friendly motoring.
The new Focus ECOnetic boasts the lowest emission figures in its class but, make no mistake, the performance is as powerful as ever.
The 1.6-litre engine delivers ample oomph both in and around town and on the more open road and with excellent fuel economy, pit stops are kept to an absolute minimum.
It's true, the Ford Focus never really delivers any surprises on the design front, but for its very reasonable price tag you do get a whole lot of car packed full of features that generally come included in the standard cost.
The model supplied for the test drive boasted air conditioning, electric front windows, powered and heated door mirrors, a top notch sound system, plus plenty more.
As one might expect from Ford, the safety features are first class. There are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, front, side, and curtain airbags and an immobiliser and anti-theft system to keep away unwanted attention.
Celebrating its 10th year in production, the Focus has boasted best UK seller for the last 10 years - in fact, more than one in 20 cars sold in the UK is a Focus.
So what's the big attraction? The answer is effective simplicity, the Focus has all the mod cons and gadget-like features to match its rivals, but everything is easily operated - some competitors' models leave the driver clambering for the manual just to get moving.
All the Focus controls are ideally positioned for driver use and, with panoramic windows, all-round visibility is excellent.
Comfort levels are very high with ample room for four adults along with plenty of luggage too.
Ford has a reputation for evolving and the latest aerodynamic ECOnetic is yet another step in the right direction.
FAST FACTS
Ford Focus ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr
Price: £16,845
Mechanical: 110PS, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 65.6
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 115g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust