Even though modern-day car buyers are being seduced by SUVs in ever-increasing numbers, the humble Ford Focus hatchback is one of the most significant cars on our roads, not to mention one of the most popular historically. This is a car - arguably alongside the Volkswagen Golf - that’s become the yardstick by which all family cars are measured.
It is difficult to overstate the importance of the original Ford Focus. For starters it replaced the Escort, which although somewhat stale by the late 1990s, was still one of the most recognisable cars on the road, alongside its stablemate, the best-selling Ford Fiesta supermini. Not only that, but the Focus was Ford’s entry into the hugely popular family car segment, a true bread-and-butter model that it simply had to get right.
In the 20 years between launching that first Focus in 1998, and launching the latest Mk4 model in 2018, Ford made a lot of progress, particularly in the areas of safety and technology. Yet the core appeal of its family car remains unchanged, for in every generation, the Focus has demonstrated that you can have something that is all at once practical, affordable and great fun to drive.
This guide looks at the history of one of the UK’s most popular cars to see how it has evolved from the angular original to today’s latest design.
Ford Focus Generations
- Ford Focus Mk4 (2018-present)
- Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018)
- Ford Focus Mk2 (2004-2011)
- Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2004)
Ford Focus Mk4 (2018-present)
The fourth-generation Focus was revealed in April 2018, and has since been sold in the UK in only five-door hatchback and estate body styles. This time around, however, you’ve also had the choice of a Ford Focus Active model, with a raised ride height and plastic body cladding as Ford attempts to cash in on the trend for SUVs and crossovers.
All Mk4s are more spacious and yet lighter than the cars they replace, the Focus estate providing an extra layer of practicality, and they come with a much increased level of technology, too. That includes adaptive cruise control that can read road signs and change the car’s speed accordingly, plus a head-up display that projects the car’s speed on to the windscreen just behind the steering wheel.
Thanks to improvements in engine technology (including the ability to shut down cylinders when not needed), plus the introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improved by around 10 per cent across the range, with a corresponding improvement in CO2 emissions as well. Mild hybrid versions should give a real-world return of around 50 mpg regardless of whether it’s fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.
Aside from the Mk1, subsequent generous of the Focus have trailed their best rivals in terms of interior quality and design appeal, and that trend continues with the Mk4. However, it’s worth noting that the car received a facelift in 2022, which closed the gap quite a bit by introducing smarter, more upmarket materials and a much larger, more sophisticated Sync 4 central touchscreen to replace the older Sync 3 infotainment system. Both systems had Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
During that facelift, the Focus range was rationalised slightly, and the entry-level Style and Zetec models were dropped. That left the more luxurious Ford Focus Titanium and Focus Titanium X models as the entry point, and these had luxury features such as dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and navigation. These were followed buy the Ford Focus ST-Line and Focus ST-Line X models, which sat at a similar level, but had a sportier attitude. The Ford Focus ST was the sportiest version, as emissions laws meant that Ford decided not to bother with a Ford Focus RS version of the Mk4 car.
Ford Focus Mk4 review
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Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018)
When the third-generation Focus arrived in 2011, only five-door hatchback and estate versions were sold in the UK. Diesel models made up much more of the mix than before due to their low running costs, while on the petrol front, Ford’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine led the trend for ‘downsizing’, where a smaller capacity turbocharged unit is used in favour of larger engine without a turbo.
Where the Focus didn’t fare as well was in the interior, where the mass of buttons proved confusing to use, while boot space was also starting to look tight compared with newer rivals. However, a facelift in 2014 addressed the dated interior by introducing a new touchscreen.
For the Mk3, the sporty ST versions could be had with a petrol or diesel engine, and in hatchback or estate body styles. For those with a more environmental conscience, Ford also built a pure-electric Focus EV with a range of up to 100 miles from a single charge (later upgraded to 140 miles).
The Focus RS returned in 2015 with a four-cylinder, 345bhp 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and even a ‘Drift mode’ to cement its place as Ford’s ultimate hot hatch.
Ford Focus Mk3 review
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Ford Focus Mk2 (2004-2011)
In styling terms, it’s hard not to conclude that Ford took its foot off the gas with the Mk2 Focus, which lost all the edginess of its predecessor in favour of a much safer design. The same was true of the interior, although improvements to build quality, plus new technology such as Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, went some way to make up for this.
Crucially, the Mk2 Focus was still easily good enough in terms of steering feel and suspension control to be regarded as the best car in its class to drive, and was more refined than its predecessor on the motorway, too.
As before, hatchback, saloon and estate models were offered, but this time they were joined by a convertible Focus CC with a folding metal hard-top roof. There was also an ST hot hatch powered by a characterful but thirsty 2.5-litre, 222bhp five-cylinder engine. In 2009, the range was completed with the addition of a new Focus RS, which used a clever ‘RevoKnuckle’ suspension setup and limited-slip differential to channel 300bhp through the front wheels. The result is predictably entertaining.
Ford Focus Mk2 review
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Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2004)
There wasn’t anything disappointing about the original Focus of 1998. Whether it was the New Edge styling, the spacious interior or the class leading handling (thanks largely to the inclusion of independent ‘Control blade’ rear suspension), Ford had an instant hit on its hands. Just look at the dashboard design, too, which with its triangles, swoops and neatly clustered controls was unlike anything else around at the time.
Body styles included three- and five-door hatchbacks, a four-door saloon and a practical estate, while trim levels ranged through CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia, with the most generously specced models including alloy wheels, air-conditioning and even leather seats. Just one diesel engine was on the menu initially, but most buyers opted for petrol, which ranged in size from 1.4 to 2.0 litres.
At the sportier end of the spectrum Ford produced an ST170 version of the Focus with a 168bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and improved brakes and handling.
Or, for the ultimate fast Ford experience, there was the front-wheel-drive, 212bhp Focus RS, which is as exciting to drive as its lairy styling suggests.
Ford Focus Mk1 review
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