Ford Focus review - Reliability and safety

The Focus is built on an all-new C2 platform, although we’re led to believe it shares knowledge and some technology with the underpinnings that have proven such a hit under the Fiesta in recent years. Even so, the new architecture does bring some risks on reliability – but at least the majority of the engines in the line-up are reasonably well-proven.

The Focus didn't feature in our 2020 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but Ford itself finished a disappointing 24th out of 30 manufacturers - well behind Skoda and Honda, although just ahead of BMW and Mercedes.

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The new Focus has been tested by Euro NCAP’s crash-test team and scored a full five stars. It achieved 85% for adult protection and 87% for child occupant safety.

You can spec the optional Driver Assistance Pack which brings adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane centring and automatic main beam headlight functions. Other kit on offer includes evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, inflatable seatbelts and pre-collision assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Warranty

The Focus comes with Ford’s standard warranty, which is over an industry standard of three years but does stretch to 60,000 miles during that period, which is on the generous side. Ford also offers the chance to extend cover to four years/80,000 miles and five years/100,000 miles.

Servicing

Ford offers its Protect Service Plan, which includes payment plans for scheduled services, along with extended Ford Assistance roadside cover. The Ford Protect Service Plan can be purchased any time before the first service is due.