Faults:

Rear tyres went out of shape before they wore out. Replaced at 30k due to vibration and noise. Replacements are just starting to go the same way 20k later.

The odd bulb here and there.

Otherwise fault free.

General Comments:

The sports suspension in Zetec trim is well worth seeking out. The standard LX and Ghia models are good, but the Zetec is that bit sharper and the body control is better.

I work for a car leasing company and so get to drive all manner of cars. The Focus 1 still stands out for "just so" dynamics and feel, and I would argue in pure driving terms is actually nicer than the new model. Certainly it feels set up more for fun than refinement or safety - probably the last car in this class ever to be able to claim that.

I've pepped up the old 90PS 1.8 Endura Di engine with a Bluefin re-map. It now sports 127 bhp and 285Nm of torque with a dyno print out to prove it. It's still a bit down on power compared to the latest VAG engines, but the car is 150-200kg lighter than a Golf 4/5 or Focus 2 so performance stands comparison with these much more expensive cars. On that note, my Focus cost half as much to buy on the used market as a similarly aged Golf TDI, even with the cost of the re-map factored in. I wanted a TDCi really, but a chipped TDDi gives more power for a lot less outlay.

The assembly quality is excellent with tight panel gaps, deep, lustrous paint and a generally taut feel to the whole car even after nearly 50,000 miles. The interior plastics are cheap looking though, and I've marked it down on comfort because the seats are pretty naff. The driving position itself is excellent however.

With the re-map done 10,000 miles ago, the engine hasn't missed a beat and has only needed one oil top up between changes as ever. It returns 46 mpg average which is the same as it did pre-mod. The car is well out of warranty now anyhow, so gets serviced outside the dealer network. Interestingly, when I did take the car in for its last dealer service they said nothing about the re-map despite claiming to have road tested the vehicle. I can reverse the re-map at home in about 2 minutes if I need to anyhow.

Overall, a great car. The standard engine is dull, but if you can afford the TDCi or a good re-map, it's unbeatable for the money. Better still you have a really nice choice from about £4k upwards - knackered old shed money in Golf TDI terms.

Faults:

The gear linkage cable snapped after 2 weeks of ownership. Car taken to ford repair center, then I had to beg, and wait 3 hours for a courtesy car.

Inlet manifold module cable snapped (ford cables are weak!) waited 2 weeks for the part, got a loan car much easier this time.

At same time a light came on in the dash so they rebooted and upgraded the cars software. Runs like a dream now!

General Comments:

Forgetting the initial problems, this is a very nice car to own. It is comfortable on long journeys due to its supple ride quality, and down country lanes is impreza or evo quick due to its awesome handling and grip. The chassis balance is staggering.

The cars gearbox is an absolute joy, smooth, precise and well weighted with a mechanical feel. The ratios are wide for a 6 speed box, but that's never a problem.

One line for the steering. It's like a Porsche, what more can I say.

Ignore the 170 (actually 172bhp), it drives more like 185! I have timed 0-60 in just under 7 seconds, and 17 seconds to 100mph! very good indeed, power above 5000 rpm to the 7200 cut out is very good, a bit like a vtec!

The look of the car is understated, meaning it looks sporty, without shouting "I'm an idiot, and wanna race" it has the advantage of being a bit of a stealth machine.

The interior is comfy with all the kit I want, or even need, and is well screwed together with a very good sound system.

Consumption is about 330 miles to a mixed driving style tank full of unleaded, but super unleaded makes it a bit more nippy!

I recommend this car to anyone with a £10k budget for a fast yet practical car without being uncomfortable. I LOVE THIS CAR.