Initially, Ford thought it was going to dominate the class with the Focus’s cabin, not just on space and ergonomic layout but on trim quality and dash layout. But when VW unveiled the Golf, it was almost too late for Ford to react.
Some last-minute changes were made, but by and large Ford had to go with what it had. Nevertheless, the Focus is a deeply impressive car inside, not least because it boasts more useable leg, head, luggage and elbow room than any other rival, Golf included. The styling of the dash may not be to all tastes, but ergonomically it’s every bit as successful and pleasing to use as the Golf’s.
This is a frugal car too: our overall test average of 29.2mpg is bettered only by the smaller-engined Golf, while the touring route figure of 40mpg is near enough unbeatable at this level. That gives a real-world range of about 400 miles from the 55-litre tank.
