Ford Focus Mk 3
We had an exclusive ride-along in the all-new Ford Focus.
New cars aren’t much more important than this! The Focus has been Ford’s bread-and-butter model since it was first launched back in 1998. Since then, it’s been through two generations and a couple of facelifts, and now we’ve arrived at the all-new MkIII model. In Issue 1,137, Auto Express got the chance to ride in the car that’s set to be the UK’s best-seller at Ford’s Lommel proving ground in Belgium, and it was quite an introduction!
Heading into one of the test track’s tightest bends at warp speed with a senior engineer at the wheel, we weren’t sure we’d make it round the other side. But no, the Focus simply gripped and cornered flatly without drama. There’s no doubt that this new model is going to carry on the tradition laid out by the first-generation car.
Adding to the fun is the 148bhp 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine, which, as is the case in the C-MAX, is fast but frugal. We liked the C-MAX-derived cabin, too – it really sets new standards for build quality in the class – and there’s even a decent amount of space on offer, with good rear headroom. As for those looks? Well, they’ll certainly split opinion. Perhaps they’ll have grown on us by the time we drive the car in January. But on the basis of this early ride, Ford is set to have another hit on its hands.
To read the full review click here
