WHEN Ford introduced the Focus it promised a car that does what you want, when you want - and its world beating sales record proves it has delivered.
With a selection of body styles ranging from three-door, four-door and five-door, plus a comprehensive choice of engines to chose from, buyers can virtually design the model to suit their needs.
The model supplied for the test drive - the two-litre top-of-the-range Zetec Estate - was a real pleasure to drive. It was roomy front and rear, handled exceptionally well, and the design of the instrument panels was virtually flawless. My only complaint being the headlight switch, which was easy to twist too far when turning off the lights, resulting in leaving the car with its side lights on.
Sometimes when switching from one test car to another it can be difficult to adjust, especially from the high seating position of a four-wheel-drive to a car. That was the case when I took over the Ford Focus after handing back a Land Rover Discovery, but I have to say the transition was a doddle.
The technology and safety specifications on the Focus are outstanding, which does everything to boost the driver's and passengers' confidence. It comes with side-impact protection front and rear, driver's and front passenger's airbags, anti-lock brakes with traction control system and a host of other features.
One major attraction based on safety is Ford's Advanced Restraint System. In the event of an accident, it asseses the severity of an impact and activates the appropriate safety systems in a split second, providing optimum passenger protection. Another feature which, I believe, should be standard on all models is the automatic fuel shut-off in the event of an accident.
As I said, driving the Focus was a real pleasure and it seems Ford has left no stone unturned in making the ride a comfortable one. The test Focus boasted Xenon headlights which light up any dark lane brilliantly, a park assist sensor located in the rear bumper to help judge parking distances (it beeps faster the closer you get to the car behind), and a superb rapid demister switch which heats the windows quickly - ideal for those cold mornings when you've run out of de-icer!
The Focus range comes with an excellent choice of audio systems and the model I drove had a Blaupunkt radio navigation system plus CD player with 6-disc CD autochanger.
With a large boot area, especially on the estate version, complete with cargo net to support delicate bits and bobs, the Focus is truly an all-round package, which is as ideal for family use as for a company car.
When Ford phased out the Escort everyone thought they were crazy, but in the Focus the Blue Oval has a true world-beater for comfort, style and value.
FAST FACTS
Ford Focus 2.0 Zetec Estate
Price: £14,495
Mechanical: 129bhp, 1,989cc 4-cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 125mph
0-60mph: 9.6 secs
Combined mpg: 31.7
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 212g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust