By Chris Thorp

01st September 2004

We have accessed all areas of the first two models to roll off the production line, leaving no stone unturned to deliver the definitive inside line on both the three and five-door versions.

Auto Express readers first saw the car undisguised in our exclusive scoop shots back in issue 806. Focus owners flooded us with calls for more details - and now this week, here they are...

The softer lines of the new model are much less radical than those of the current version, and are sure to make less of a splash - but how do the final production models look up close in the metal? As you can see from our photoshoot, the company's designers have been keen to capitalise on the popularity of the current model.

A Ford spokeswoman told Auto Express: "This should be considered as a Focus MkII, rather than a totally new concept. All through the design of the next-generation model it has been a case of evolution, not revolution. We've kept the things that people like about the current Focus - it's clearly got to look like a Ford and fit into the family."

In both three and five-door form, the key Focus hallmarks such as the high-mounted rear lights and sloping tailgates are prominent. However, the outgoing model's new edge design has been replaced by a far more conservative look, inspired by the latest Mondeo.

Arguably, it is a less memorable appearance, but nevertheless it's well proportioned and, in three-door form, is relatively sporty. Look carefully at the finer details, such as the body-coloured door handles and accurately extended wheelarches, and you begin to appreciate the premium feel that the company has tried so hard to create. Open the door, and your first taste of the interior reinforces this prestige image.

Addressing criticisms of the previous model in the areas of ergonomics, cabin space and quality, Ford has clearly been keeping a close eye on what it considers to be class-leading opposition. In terms of quality, the new Focus is easily a match for its Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf arch rivals, and also on a par with that of the manufacturer's successful compact people carrier, the C-MAX. Soft-touch plastics and sound build quality provide a solid feel.

But one area in which we think there is still room for improvement is practicality. While the air-conditioned glovebox is a useful size, there is a shortage of additional cubbyholes. In the rear of both the three and five-door variants, occupants will find headroom tight, too.

The lack of height is a surprise when you consider that the Focus has grown in every direction. At 4,342mm, the newcomer is 168mm longer than the model it replaces, while the wheelbase has increased by 138mm over the previous-generation machine.

However, Ford's own measurements tell an even more interesting story - rear headroom has decreased by 4mm. Meanwhile, 19mm has been added to the shoulder room available to rear seat passengers. This additional width means the new Focus is a genuine three-seater in the back, and gives the car an appreciably spacious feel, even when it's carrying its full complement of five.

And the good news is that there will be room for everyone's luggage, too. Both three and five-door models have a wide opening and low sill for easy access, while an absence of wheelarch intrusion in the boot means large loads are easily accommodated. An official capacity of 385 litres puts the Focus at the top of the class for luggage space, and the split-folding rear seats provide an estate car-rivalling carrying area.

So how has the outgoing version managed to maintain its position at the top of the sales charts, despite its dated interior? It's all down to the astounding driving experience, even on the most basic models - and insiders are confident that the next-generation Focus will be even more capable.

A spokeswoman explained: "The new car takes another step forward in terms of driving dynamics." As it uses the same platform as the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40, we've already had a glimpse of what to expect from behind the wheel - but engineers have carried out extensive development work to ensure class-leading handling and even better refinement.

The wider track and longer wheelbase will offer the benefit of increased stability, but guaranteeing a smooth ride on the motorway will have been as important to the company's technicians as restricting cornering body roll. Under the bonnet, the new Focus will be available with a wide range of engines to suit all tastes and budgets.

Buyers who prefer petrol power will have the choice of existing 79bhp 1.4, 99bhp 1.6 and 143bhp 2.0-litre units, as well as a new 113bhp 1.6, badged Ti-VCT (which stands for Twin independent Variable Camshaft Technology). A V6-powered ST sporting flagship will be added to the range at a later date.

With the promise of more torque and a five per cent increase in fuel economy, the hi-tech 1.6 is sure to be popular. But diesel is always a good option for drivers looking to cut their fuel bills - and the new Focus will be offered with the same 107bhp 1.6 and 134bhp 2.0-litre TDCi oil-burners as the C-MAX.

Depending on engine choice, power will be fed through five and six-speed manual gearboxes, as well as a choice of conventional autos or Continuously Variable Transmissions. When the new Focus hits UK roads in January, it will come in the three and five-door guises seen here, plus a practical estate.

There will be a choice of CL, LX, Zetec, Ghia and flagship Titanium trims, with prices tipped to be closer to the top-value Astra than the premium Golf. Official figures are still under wraps, but expect base cars to cost ΂£12,000, with high-spec variants at around ΂£16,500.

We look forward to getting behind the wheel, but our advice is to keep an open mind on the new Focus. If your first reaction is one of disappointment, don't write the latest Ford off straight away.

It wouldn't have been possible for the Ford designers to make as big an impact with the second-generation car as they did with the 1998 original, but we think they have done a good job. Despite the toned-down shape, a more grown-up feel and a higher-quality interior should be enough to keep the Focus at the top of the sales charts.

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