By James Disdale

April 2008

• Rating:

Great to drive, spacious and with revised good looks, the Focus Estate seems to have all the bases covered. But now, the blue oval has added a little ‘X’ factor to its latest load-lugger – and the emphasis is on luxury.

Based on the already well equipped Titanium model, this new range-topper is fitted with a special X Pack, which boosts the equipment and the price – the latter by £1,650 to £21,095.

On the outside, you will notice the xenon headlights set into the restyled nose, while at the rear, distinctive LED lamps replace the standard items.

Also included are powered folding door mirrors, as well as a special solar-reflective windscreen which helps to keep the interior cool and cuts down glare from the sun’s rays.

Inside, the cabin has a more opulent air, courtesy of stitched leather upholstery for the seats and door trims. The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable – although the taller mechanism does restrict headroom for the driver and passenger.

Elsewhere it’s business as usual for the Focus. The recent revisions to the range in general mean that quality in the cabin is excellent – the soft-touch materials and solid build come close to matching those of premium brand competitors. There is plenty of legroom for occupants front and rear, and five adults will be comfortable, even on long journeys.

They will find ample space for their luggage, too. With the rear bench in place you’ll have access to 503 litres; fold it flat and the capacity jumps to 1,546 litres – a figure that matches models in the class above.

On the road the Ford really excels. Refinement is good, handling entertaining and the steering accurate and nicely weighted. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is smooth and punchy, and should return wallet-friendly economy of 50.4mpg. Only an occasionally fidgety ride in town lets the car down.

The new X Pack is available on all versions of the Focus Titanium – the hatch-back, saloon and estate. Yet while there’s no doubt that it gives the family Ford a luxurious lift, it doesn’t offer enough over the standard version to justify the extra £1,605.

Variants lower down in the Focus range offer the same space, practicality, quality and driving fun – but at much more competitive prices.

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