New Ford Focus review: it still looks like the old one

A new Ford Focus? Yet it looks much like the previous one!

That is certainly true: it is very similar. The third-generation Focus has received a facelift, with tidier headlamps and Ford’s latest corporate grille, rather than a wholesale redesign. There is a sound reason for that, too: it has been the world’s best-selling car for the past two years and is on track to claim the title again in 2014.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, and all that.

Quite. Even so, Ford has introduced a broad set of carefully judged upgrades. These include fresh engines, with the expected emphasis on improving fuel economy and cutting CO2 emissions, modest chassis revisions and a reworked cabin.

Ford Focus driving dynamics

Does it remain great to drive?

When the Focus succeeded the ageing Escort 16 years ago, its sharp handling felt genuinely revelatory. Over time, the Focus has put on weight and its competitors have narrowed the gap somewhat, but this mid-life refresh of the third-generation Focus brings it firmly back into form.

The adjustments are subtle, chiefly involving electric power-steering calibration for greater ease of use and more compliant dampers. The payoff is improved agility, as the steering delivers quicker reactions with a more natural, rewarding feel. That is particularly impressive for an EPAS set-up.

Most striking is the way the Focus’s front and rear ends operate together. A demanding series of bends will not unsettle it: the capable suspension absorbs changes in the road surface, while the rear axle will help tighten the chosen line through a corner when prompted. Grip levels are reassuringly strong when you simply need to make progress, yet there is ample driver involvement when you want to enjoy it. It remains composed throughout.

New Ford Focus engines

And the new engines?

A new 1.5-litre diesel producing under 99g/km will account for almost half of Focus sales, although 118bhp is the most powerful output offered. We headed directly for the new petrol engine in the range: a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder Ecoboost turbo available with 148bhp or 180bhp. Both versions claim CO2 emissions of 127g/km and 51.4mpg. We sampled the more powerful model, and it is very good for the most part. Its strong spread of torque arrives with the linear character of a naturally aspirated engine, which should appeal to enthusiastic drivers.

However, it does not truly come alive until above 2500rpm. The shortage of low-rev eagerness is especially apparent in town-centre traffic and when selecting a lower gear than usual to maintain momentum on steeper inclines. At least that provides a good reason to use the pleasing six-speed manual gearbox.

Ford Focus interior and technology

What is the reworked interior like?

This is an area where the Focus - and Ford models generally - had long needed attention. Previously, the dashboard was something of an ergonomic conundrum, with small air-conditioning and infotainment controls scattered haphazardly across the centre console. That has changed. A new touchscreen system immediately reduces the number of buttons, and its interface has plainly taken cues from more intuitive systems, including Audi’s MMI. It functions well and gives the cabin a considerably better look and feel. The plastics still do not match Volkswagen’s, though.

And the technology?

There is plenty of it. When the third-generation Focus arrived in 2011, it was something of a market leader, bringing large-car features such as self-parking and lane-departure warning. These systems have now been updated and expanded: park assist can pull the car out of the tight space it has eerily manoeuvred you into, while the crash-avoidance radars at the front are more diligent.

Ford Focus pricing

It sounds excellent. So where is the drawback?

At the dealership. To get the 180bhp engine, you have to go straight to Titanium X trim. That brings plenty of equipment, but also a starting price of £23,520 - roughly £1500 more than the currently priced, if admittedly less lavish, Focus ST, with its 247bhp and wild character.

The 148bhp 1.5 Ecoboost shares the 180bhp model’s 177lb ft torque figure, however, and prices begin at £20,545 for a Zetec S. For buyers who simply want a Focus, there is a traditional 84bhp 1.6 petrol model for £13,995.