• New infotainment system looks great
• Logical, high-quality cabin design
• Optional head-up display available

How is the quality and layout?

Ford seriously improved the quality of the Mk4 Focus’s interior – and this facelifted model has further narrowed the gap to more premium rivals such as the latest Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 308.

The new 13.2-inch infotainment system is worlds apart from the old eight-inch unit in terms of quality and performance, and the refreshed dashboard looks cleaner and feels sturdier.

We’re not all that fussed by Ford’s decision to move the climate controls onto the touchscreen, either. Unlike some rivals, they’re always accessible from a fixed narrow menu at the bottom of the screen, rather than being buried deep in a sub-menu. That makes them relatively easy to operate on the move.

Infotainment and tech

Ford’s new 13.2-inch infotainment system is standard on all but the most basic Trend specification. The entry-level car makes do with the old 8.0-inch screen.

The new, larger touchscreen is excellent. It loads almost instantaneously and the graphics are crystal clear, even with the sun shining on the screen through the sunroof. As it’s now placed higher up on the dashboard, you barely need to divert your eyes from the road to read navigation instructions.

Ford’s SYNC 4 software has also reduced the amount of inputs required to do simple tasks like change radio station or alter navigation instructions. Now, nearly everything is just a couple of prods away – an if you don’t want to fiddle with the screen on the move, you can use Ford’s natural voice recognition system instead.

The Focus’s new Vignale option pack also adds a head-up display. It displays items like speed, sat-nav instructions and information from the traffic sign recognition system onto a small screen right in the driver’s sightline, meaning you never really need to take your eyes off the road.

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Comfort

• One of the best in class for comfort
• Supportive, well-shaped seats
• Rear passengers have lots of room

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 ST-Line model’s sports seats are also very supportive, with a particularly good lumbar setting.

We found the Active variant a little more difficult to get comfortable in, 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.

The suspension systems differ between trims, too. Sporty ST-Line models are lower and harsher, while Active variants are taller and softer. The former can be a little tiresome on long motorway journeys and the latter can be overcome by severe bumps, which sends shudders through the cabin. The standard set-up used in Trend and Titanium models offers the best balance of handling and comfort.