Ford Focus review: after 25 years it still impresses
Fun and engaging to drive, the Focus has been treated to a mid-life update

As it approaches its 25th birthday, the Ford Focus has been treated to a mid-life update involving subtle changes to the styling, a huge boost to the in-car tech and a new power train line-up, said Auto Express. It remains fun and engaging to drive, with sharp steering, keen handling and plenty of grip. It’s a little firmer over bumps than some of its rivals, and it can be a bit noisy at higher speeds, but overall it still impresses.

There are a bewildering 33 models in the Focus range, said The Daily Telegraph, including an economical 1.5-litre diesel, three petrol options all with 1.0-litre engines, a 123bhp non-hybrid and a 153bhp model both available in manual and automatic iterations. Most versions now have the cheaper twist-beam rear suspension that feels less mobile, but the Focus remains just as exciting as other cars in its class, if not more so.

All but the base-spec Trend trim get a giant 13.2in infotainment system for navigation, media and phone connectivity, said Top Gear. It is responsive and has good graphics, though some might miss having proper buttons for climate controls; these are now on the bottom of the screen. The front seats aren’t the most comfortable, but the rear is impressively roomy, and with the seats up the boot is a useful 375 litres. UK price from £23,500.


A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
John Kenney's 6 favorite books that will break your heart softly
Feature The novelist recommends works by John le Carré, John Kennedy Toole, and more
-
Book reviews: 'Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America' and 'How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, One Dubious Cure at a Time'
Feature How William F. Buckley Jr brought charm to conservatism and a deep dive into the wellness craze
-
Sly Stone: The funk-rock visionary who became an addict and recluse
Feature Stone, an eccentric whose songs of uplift were tempered by darker themes of struggle and disillusionment, had a fall as steep as his rise
-
Some of the best music and singing holidays in 2025
The Week Recommends From singing lessons in the Peak District to two-week courses at Chetham's Piano Summer School
-
6 bold homes for maximalists
Feature Featuring a restored Queen Anne Victorian in California and a sculpture studio turned townhome in New York City
-
Heiress: Sargent's American Portraits – a 'revelatory' glimpse into the Belle Époque
The Week Recommends Kenwood exhibition shines a light on the American 'dollar princesses' who married into the English aristocracy
-
Gordon Corera chooses his favourite spy novels
The Week Recommends The journalist picks works by James Wolff, Graham Greene and John le Carré
-
Ballerina: 'a total creative power cut' for the John Wick creators
Talking Point Ana de Armas can't do much with her 'lethally dull' role