Should you buy one?

It’s a very safe bet. The latest Ford Focus improves on what was already a winning formula with excellent technology and sharp styling.

The lack of any hybrid or electric powertrains has lowered its outright score when compared to heavily electrified rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Skoda Octavia, but its spacious cabin and excellent driving experience helps to make up for this shortcoming. Still, we think newer rivals – particularly the 2023 Parkers Car of the Year, the Honda Civic – make for better options.

We spent the majority of our time in a 155hp ST-Line model. While the cheaper Trend model might look appealing to your wallet, it does without a lot of the technology tweaks that make the facelifted car so great. The new 13.2-inch infotainment system is eons ahead of the old 8.0-inch system, so we’d say it’s worth forking out the extra cash for at least a Titanium model to bag the newer equipment.

What we like

The Focus is still one of the best-driving family cars available, (although the Mazda 3 puts up some stiff competition). The steering and handling are sharp and well judged, but this precision does not come at the expense of ride quality.

But there’s more to the Focus than its dynamic prowess. You get lots of equipment for the money, and the prices are competitive before you start shopping around for deals. And finally, considering its sleek, low-roofed styling, there’s ample space in the rear for passengers, making it an excellent family car whether you’re driving or riding in it.

What we don’t like

The lack of any serious hybrid option. Most family hatchbacks on the market today (including the Focus’s longest-standing rival, the Vauxhall Astra) are available with either a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The fact that Ford doesn’t offer either of these options on the facelifted version of the Focus will only limit its customer base for those seeking low company car tax rates.