WHEN it first arrived in 1998 the Ford Focus hit the ground running, swiftly proving its worth as a thoroughly versatile travelling companion and true driver's car.
One year on from launch, the Focus became European Car of the Year, an award which paved the way for some 60 major European accolades, including this year's Lower Medium Car of the Year title in the Fleet Excellence awards.
In the five and a half years since its creation, the Ford Focus has ensured the presence of the Blue Oval badge on the thick end of 700,000 UK driveways and one and a half million across Europe.
Last year, the Focus racked up class-leading sales of 130,000 and is currently celebrating its fourth anniversary as the UK's favourite car.
But, time moves on and the evolutionary appetites of the car-buying public have to be satisfied and, with new versions of the major competitors, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf, already making their presence felt, Ford's focus now is on an all-new version of its compact familyl hatchback.
Expect the newcomer in January, says Ford, but, until then the opportunity remains to enjoy the qualities of a true driver's car in one of the special editions which are keeping the current model fresh as it nears the end of its life-cycle.
The Focus Edge brings a sporty, yet luxurious feel to the range. It comes with the option of a brace of engines - 1.6-litre, 100bhp petrol and 115bhp, 1.8-litre TDCi. The Edge boasts individualism through a rear spoiler while doing its roadwork mounted on distinctive five-spoke alloys.
Focus Edge is available in three or five door body style and it's quite generously kitted out with air-con, power operated front windows, stereo radio/CD with steering wheel mounted controls, remote central/double locking and front fogs. However, one omission that surprised me was the lack of electric door mirrors.
Safety and security equipment, however, is well in evidence with dual front and side airbags, side impact door beams front and rear and Safeguard Passsive Anti-Theft System (PATS), plus the Advanced Restraint System (ARS).
Seated in the comfortably supportive, sports-style driving seat, you face a typically Ford dashboard and centre console brightened by Titanium-effect trim in which the dials and instrumentation are well placed.
The test car was powered by the acclaimed 1.8-litre turbo diesel engine and, while Ford may have been a little late to the diesel party, this Duratorq TDCi, made at Ford's Dagenham plant, has truly been worth the wait.
This 115bhp direct injection oil-burner is everything a top diesel should be, delivering performance and power in extremely refined and environmentally friendly fashion.
The 0-62mph dash is accomplished in under eleven seconds, en route to top speed, where legally allowable, of 122mph/ With a smooth-slotting five-speed manual gearbox, this power train really gets the best out of the firmish, but certainly not harsh, sports-tuned suspension, which makes handling a true joy when linking together a series of twisty bits.
Over the long haul, too, the TDCi proved extremely willing through the gears.Plenty of mid-range power helps to make short work of those tedious tarmac miles while rewarding the driver, depending upon individual driving style, with around 50mpg in mixed driving.
Throughout what will finally be a six-year reign, the Ford Focus has consistently been the one to beat in the lower medium segment and, as the winter of its production run approaches, it still has the Edge over the opposition.
FAST FACTS
Ford Focus Edge 1.8 TDCi 3-door
Price: £14,765.
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,753cc, 4cyl turbo-diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.7 secs
Combined mpg: 51.4
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 145g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12 yrs anti-rust