Faults:

About 500 miles after picking up my car, the engine cooling fan started running constantly, and the temp. gauge hit the top. The dealer initially suspected a faulty sender unit, but it turned out to be a blown core plug, of all things, and the engine management system was defaulting to 'safe' mode. It was somewhat disconcerting to see my nice car's engine in bits after such a short time of ownership, but it seems O.K. now.

There is a slight creaking noise from the rear end when I go over speed humps, the dealer says it's the suspension 'and they all do that'...really!

Radio reception is poor, medium wave especially; I should check out the aerial connection.

General Comments:

Although they are everywhere, the Focus is an attractive choice, especially in 3 door format. It performs and handles brilliantly, is quite well fitted, and I'm sure will prove reliable, despite the initial glitch. I'm achieving 37 M.P.G. in my auto.

I don't like the seats, and end up with backache after a long drive.

Only one remote locking key is supplied, and apparently spares are impossible to get. A spare non-remote key will set you back £18.

One of Britain's top-selling cars justifies the hype: it's good, very good, but there's a new Astra, and a new Golf, and they may be even better...

Faults:

None yet.

General Comments:

The Focus is really what people have been saying it is: fantastic to drive!

Roomy cabin with loads of kit, Mine is the climate version which is very well equipped indeed.

Extremely quiet and well mannered.

Drives extremely quickly, its hard to stay at 30 mph!

It makes my previous V-reg Escort Finesse seem like an old hat, Focus beats its predecessor hands down in terms of ride and handling.

The gear change is so, so smooth, it's a joy just changing gear!

In comparison to my old Escort the build quality of the Focus is much improved, no more cheap plastic materials. real effort has been put in to silence critics.

If I could find one fault with the Ford Focus, it would have to be the dodginess of the tailgate, it has to be slammed very firmly to lock properly, but apart from that its easily Fords best made car.

One thing that still beats my imagination is how the Focus Zetec can be so quick and yet have such low insurance, its £200 cheaper than my Escort was in insurance (plus I'm a young male drover!).

I don't think I'll be changing the car for long time yet!

Faults:

Indicator switch stopped self cancelling at 9200 miles - new clock spring fitted under warranty.

Key fob for central locking failed at 18,000 miles.

A couple of trim rattles started to develop at 23,000 miles.

General Comments:

Entertaining and utterly foolproof handling, it rewards the careful driver and forgives the careless one. Ride a little firmer on the Zetec.

Performance very sprightly - engine makes a really good throaty noise, torquey mid-range, but needs to be caned to get all the power.

Plasticky interior not up to the same standard as a Mk 4 Golf, but overall the Focus is a superior machine.

Faults:

Nothing as of yet I haven't had the focus long, but will update as it gets older.

OK maybe one small thing, the boot lamp is hanging out and missing its bulb. I believe the dealer may have done this for two reasons, either he had the boot open on display and disconnected it to avoid draining the battery, or it stays on when the boot is closed and drains the battery overnight.

General Comments:

We had a Citroen Saxo 1.1ix 3dr before this, whilst that saxo was a good stepping stone, it is now very much forgotten.

The Focus is a superb family car with sharp handling, superb poise and balance, with the slightest hint of body roll before the tyres break their grip with the road.

The 1.6 Zetec engine is frugal, it is using only slightly more fuel than my old 1.1. There is no need to rev the engine excessively to obtain the speed limits (and pass them!), thanks to a smooth power band and torque output.

The dash is an acquired taste, thankfully it is much better than previous vehicles, being made from better plastics, dial heater controls with A/C, a CD player and radio with satellite controls at the steering column. The steering wheel is suitably chunky, and has the right contours for exactly where you are going to put your hands when you're driving. The dials are clear and well illuminated during the hours of darkness.

The cabin space is impressive when you consider the size of the Focus. The seats are well bolstered in the Zetec model, and hold you firmly as you use the throttle to control yourself gliding round those twisty roads. The boot is capable of holding a pram and shopping, and has a low bumper level to aid access.

The wheels are 15" 5 spoke alloys, shod with Michelin rubber, allowing for smooth and quiet motorway composure.

Overall I am pleased with the new car, it is easy on the eye, and even though you do see loads of these on the road, I still have pride in my own vehicle, I feel it is the first "real" car I have owned. I was more impressed with the three door shape, but now I bought a five door, for family reasons, I have changed my mind.

Next model will be Focus ST170, then RS, then Cosworth (there is a cosworth focus in the pipeline).