Last Chance To Buy: Ford Focus

When is it going?

When is it going?

The new, improved Focus arrives in January; in the meantime, the Focus continues to be the UK's top seller, accounting for one-third of Ford's entire sales.

What's good about it?

It still looks fresh, after six years, and is spacious and well-designed: a family of five can fit in easily. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, and the controls are perfectly laid out. Keen drivers will enjoy the Focus's responsive handling; it is always safe to drive, but fun. There is also a good overall range of engines with the 1.6 and 1.8 Zetecs being especially lively, while the 2.0 is almost sporty. Finally, it offers the reassurance of cheap insurance and servicing,and predictable running costs.

What's bad about it?

It depends how picky you are. There have been recall issues (see below) - but there are always going to be more reported problems when a car sells in massive numbers.

How much?

DrivetheDeal.com can get a 1.8TDCi Edge three-door on the road for £11,057, saving a massive £3,700. For those after performance, ukcarbroker.co.uk have pre-registered examples of the ST170 starting at £12,850, down from £16,500. Meanwhile, Motorpoint (0870 120 9625) can get you a 1.6 Flight at £8,999, down from £11,217.

Any snags?

There has been a stalling and loss of power problem in the UK, and there have been an alarming number of recalls (six between 1998 and 2002), but it's hard to know where the high-profile consumer crusading ends and the used-car reality begins. Generally, the Focus is a good used car, but it oftenleads a hard company-car life, so ideally buy the best you can.

FACT FILE

Launched: 1998

Engine: 1.4 1.6 1.8Tdi 1.8TDCi 1.8 2.0ST 2.0RS

Performance: 115mph (1.6), 0-60mph in 10.9 secs

Economy: 40.9mpg (1.6)

NCAP: 4/5 stars