[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ford-focus-reviews-what-the-critics-think\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ford-focus-reviews-what-the-critics-think\/","headline":"Ford Focus reviews: what the critics think","name":"Ford Focus reviews: what the critics think","description":"The Ford Focus is arguably the king of hatchbacks. It is the world\u2019s biggest-selling nameplate with more than 16 million examples sold globally since 1998. Pretty much everyone with a driving licence has owned or at least driven a Focus, so is this – the fourth generation model, due here in September – any good? Auto Express reckons so, having no qualms in proclaiming that \u2018Ford really has pulled out all the stops for the [new] Focus\u2019. Performance Just like […]","datePublished":"2018-07-23","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/2018-Ford-Focus-Collection.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/2018-Ford-Focus-Collection.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ford-focus-reviews-what-the-critics-think\/","about":["Cars","Ford","LATEST CAR NEWS","NEW RELEASES"],"wordCount":512,"keywords":["2018 Ford Focus","ford","ford focus"],"articleBody":"The Ford Focus is arguably the king of hatchbacks. It is the world\u2019s biggest-selling nameplate with more than 16 million examples sold globally since 1998.Pretty much everyone with a driving licence has owned or at least driven a Focus, so is this – the fourth generation model, due here in September – any good? Auto Express reckons so, having no qualms in proclaiming that \u2018Ford really has pulled out all the stops for the [new] Focus\u2019.PerformanceJust like any other family hatchback gunning for such a broad appeal, the Focus\u2019 engine range is versatile, comprising the single-litre EcoBoost petrol with 84bhp, 99bhp or 123bhp. The most powerful option is \u2018not earth-shatteringly rapid\u2019 in the view of Auto Express and is best used for \u2018pootling around town or cruising along on the motorway\u2019.There\u2019s also a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol, offered with either 148bhp or 180bhp – and the latter has so much shove that it threatens to elevate the Focus halfway towards being a warm hatchback instead of a regular family car, Auto Express observes.Diesel drivers get to choose from the 1.5-litre EcoBlue with 94bhp or 118bhp, or a \u2018punchy\u2019 148bhp two-litre unit. Without any \u2018hot\u2019 variants at launch, the likes of VW\u2019s Golf GTI is untroubled by the Focus right now, but can count on ST and RS takes arriving in due course.Ride & HandlingAuto Express highlights the hatchback\u2019s ability to satisfy petrolheads and families in equal measure, proving every bit as comfy on a long journey as it is fun on a windy B-road. Part of that comfort is down to the car sitting on the all-new C2 platform, while many versions feature independent rear suspension and the option of continuously variable damping, the weekly mag adds.Top Gear describes cornering as \u2018an entirely sanitary affair\u2019, with \u2018well-mapped\u2019 steering that \u2018simply follows the front wheels, all the way up to the limit\u2019 – the whole thing comes off as \u2018a little dull\u2019 in Top Gear’s eyes. Autocar seemed satisfied though, writing: \u2018Steering is lighter than I remember, but it\u2019s accurate and precise, if not the last word in communication.\u2019InteriorHistorically, the Golf has been the go-to name for hatchback drivers wanting a cabin with a premium feel – and that hasn\u2019t changed even with the roomier interior, Top Gear says. They notes that key parts of the cabin are moulded from soft-touch plastic, while door bins are carpet-lined. However, it doesn\u2019t quite dethrone the Golf due to the hard and scratchy door-shutting grab handles.Auto Express liked the Focus\u2019 simple, uncluttered dashboard and was relieved that heating and ventilation controls were still physical dials and buttons, rather than integrated into the infotainment system.Ratings & VerdictSo should you buy the new Focus? Autocar thinks so, stating that no other family hatchback \u2018drives as pleasingly as a Focus does\u2019. Aside from protecting its spot at the top of the dynamic tree, the new Focus adds extra functionality too.And the ratings say it all…What Car – 4\/5 starsAuto Express – 4.5\/5 starsTop Gear – 9\/10Autocar – 4\/5 stars"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Ford Focus reviews: what the critics think","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/ford-focus-reviews-what-the-critics-think\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]