• Dashboard lifted straight from regular Focus
• No big issues with quality, but it’s a bit dull
• Media system works well; all easy to use

How is the quality and layout?

In terms of quality, everything feels like it’s well-made, but there’s a lot of black and grey plastics and things like the doors – as well as plastics lower down the cabin – fall short of the solidity you’ll find in a VW Golf or Kia Ceed. You’ll find a logically laid-out dashboard that’s very easy to operate, which counts for a lot. The controls are clearly labelled and it’s all very user-friendly. It’s also well-built for the most part, but it’s a little uninspiring.

That said, despite not feeling especially tech-heavy, there’s a refreshing simplicity and familiarity to the Focus’s interior. The dials are clear, the menus easy to navigate and, despite there being a lot of them, the steering wheel controls are also logical.

The problem is it just doesn’t feel especially interesting inside – especially when you consider higher-spec versions of the Kia XCeed introduce larger, crisper screens both for the infotainment and for the instruments, where the Ford can feel a little more basic. We just wish there was a bit more colour and a bit more personality inside to make it stand out a little more from regular Focus models. Slightly different fabrics on the seats doesn’t really feel like enough.

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Infotainment and tech

Ford’s Sync3 media system is easy to use – if looking a little dated – and it sits high on the dash within easy reach of the driver.

As with many modern cars of this type, the main heating controls are in the touchscreen, but Ford’s voice control system does a fantastic job of replacing knobs and buttons – simply touch the button on the steering wheel, say ‘set temperature to 21-and-a-half degrees’, and that’s what will happen. Couldn’t be simpler.

The Vignale models add a touch more luxury thanks to lots of leather and a head-up display, but that also involves paying a chunk of extra cash.

Comfort

• Tweaked suspension over regular Focus
• Impresses in terms of comfort and control
• Seats have plenty of adjustment as well

There’s plenty of adjustment in the Focus’s seat and steering column, meaning even the tallest of drivers should be able to get comfortable. The seats are also very supportive, with a particularly good lumbar setting.

We found the Active variant a little more difficult to get comfortable in than a standard Focus, as Ford has raised up the seat mounting to suit the car’s SUV-esque appearance. The lowest setting on the Active variant’s seat is a couple of inches higher than the standard car’s, which means tall drivers will be constantly craning their necks under the roof to see through the windscreen.

However, the taller nature of this car means it’ll be slightly better than the regular Focus for those who are less mobile – it’s easier to get in and out.