Faults:

Stereo did not work from new.

General Comments:

Having been given a budget for a new company car I was not really keen on getting a Focus as there are just so many on the road. However, after taking a look at the Focus Edge (basically a Zetec with 16" Alloys and a few other extras) I was quite impressed with the way it looked. It was also great value for money compared to rivals like the Megane & Mazda 3, as air conditioning and CD player came as standard. Now having owned the car for 7 months I feel I definitely made the right choice.

The thing that really took me by surprise was the handling. To sum it up in one word, incredible. The sports suspension and low profile 205/50 tires make sure that the car stays planted firmly to the road with minimal body roll. This does however have two drawbacks. Firstly the overall ride is not that refined and secondly it makes you drive like a complete hooligan at every opportunity.

I was a little disappointed with the performance of the car when I first had it, but as the engine has loosened up it has become more responsive. It does still lack punch at low revs and needs to be thrashed to get the most from it, this is probably part due to the very long gear ratios which I feel for a 1.6 engine are far too long. If your budget can run to it go for a 2 litre model.

The interior is quite funky and feels very well put together with no rattles so far. The seats are supportive and the driving position in near on perfect.

I can't really comment on dealers as the car still hasn't had it's first service. What I can say though is that they were extremely helpful when I took the car to my local dealer as the CD player didn't work after it was delivered. A mechanic came straight out and fixed it within minutes.

If you're on a budget, love exercising your right foot down country lanes and need the space of a family car, then this is the one for you.

Faults:

Currently, nothing.

General Comments:

The best thing about the car has to be the peformance of the engine. It is absolutely terrific particularly under 70mph. It feels like you are driving a BMW 330Ci Manual. Fantastic diesel engine, well done Ford.

I find the driving position nowhere near as comfortable or and roomy as, say a Mazda 323F. The interior plastics also lack the quality of this sister car. I'm sure I will get lots of people commenting on this claiming this not to be the case, but I feel the driving position, seats, cabin space and interior plastics let it down slightly. Also, dont expect any exclusivity.

Faults:

So far so good - no faults.

General Comments:

I was holding out for the mk5 Golf, as I'd had a mk4 TDi PD 115 which I liked a lot, but which had suffered from lots of niggling faults.

Drove the mk5 and was very disappointed. Found it harsh and unrefined next to the mk4. Performed well, but the interior looked cheap and the steering still felt vague and overlight like the mk4.

Drove the Focus (top spec Ghia 115 TDCi with all the options is still three grand less than the GT TDi 140 mk5 Golf) and thought it took the Golf apart as a driver's car. Now the Golf has lost its gorgeous interior, it has also lost its main appeal. Focus steers better, rides better, goes almost as well (25 PS down, but nearly 300kg lighter) and is generally just nicer to drive.

Gripes - the interior plastics are low rent with the same brittle, shiny quality as a 1983 Sierra I once owned. Seems well put together though. Also the seats make your butt go numb after 100 miles or so. Not something I noticed on the test drive.

Good points - great performance with amazing in gear punch, 47 mpg average and so far 100% reliability. Still a great drivers car too with a slick gearbox, good positive steering and incredible agility.

Well worth a look.