Ten years of the Ford Focus

What the Focus is

With the Focus, Ford has created the ultimate family car, It’s affordable and its design is superb. But above all, it’s fun to drive.

Today there are more than ten versions of the Focus – from the sporty ST to the green biofuel-powered FFV models, the drop top Focus CC and the Focus-based C-Max MPV.

Praised by motoring critics and families alike, the Focus combines responsiveness with comfort and safety, the Focus was the car to offer driving thrills in a practical, stylish and available package.

Ford sold more than 400,000 UK Focuses last year alone, with total sales of all models reaching 1.7million. They hope to sell 500,000 in Europe next year.

In the beginning

The Ford Focus was officially born in 1998 – featuring a user-friendly, curvy interior and daringly extravagant exterior.

The original Focus heralded Ford’s line of “new edge” vehicles – cars which featured modern, angular lines which was the beginning of a design memorable for the ‘Blue Oval'.
 
Since 1998, it’s been the biggest selling car in Britain every year. There is now a huge range of models and trims to choose from...

Models

1. First generation – the initial 1998 model had engine sizes ranging from 1.4 to 2-litres, with transmissions including five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes and a four-speed automatic.

Initial diesel models featured the Endura-D power unit, which was eventually replaced with the punchy Duratorq engine in 2002.

The Focus had four exciting body styles to begin with – two hatchbacks, a saloon and an estate.

In 2001, it received a raft of changes, including revamped headlights, bumpers and an array of new colours. Optional extras were added, including a navigation system and six-CD changer.

The Focus featured four different trim levels: CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia.

2. Second generation – the 2004 Focus hatch weighed more than the original, but maintained a similar design. A new range of body styles were made available, including the coupe cabriolet.

Its shape was smoothed out to take on rivals including the new Golf and Audi A3, making the Focus look more streamlined than ever.

The interior was also vastly improved, with more tactile plastics replacing those of the previous model.
Revised Duratec 1.8-litre and 2-litre engines replaced the original Zetec, and drivers could opt for a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine in the hot ST.

From September 2006, Ford revised the standard trim specifications slightly, to allow for the introduction of further options called X-Packs.

Six versions are available:

• Studio – the base model, with power steering, electric windows, driver and passenger airbags and central locking
• Style – with alloy wheels, sports steering wheel and air-conditioning
• Zetec – this had sports suspension and interior/exterior design extras
• Zetec Climate – featuring a heated windscreen and air conditioning
• Ghia – offering an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and cruise control
• Titanium – includes CD and MP3 player, sports seats and privacy glass

3. 2008 Focus – the new Focus sports a sharper, “kinetic design” feel, bringing it in line with the new Mondeo and Galaxy - while still maintaining a similar shape and nature to the current Focus.

It also features ‘FordEasyFuel,’ which stops you from putting in the wrong fuel type and a clever dual clutch system for faster gear changes.

The new Focus is scheduled for release February 2008. For more information read our new Ford Focus preview.

4. The RS – this hot hatch was the first car to feature the RS badge since the Escort RS 2000. The turbo-charged 2-litre, 215bhp Zetec-E engine could reach 0-60mph in 6.4seconds, and its four cylinders and 16 valves allowed it to hit a top speed of 144mph.

It won Best Used Car 2007 in the Auto Trader Used Car Awards.

5. The ST170 – this sporty Focus boasts a high-flow aluminium cylinder head, sports catalytic converter, side airbags, leather seats and a revised power steering pump. It also comes with alloy wheels and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

6. Coupe Cabriolet – announced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, this sleek convertible boasts a two-piece folding roof and sporty exterior. Read our Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet review.

7. Second generation ST – this popular hot hatch has a five cylinder, turbocharged 2.5-litre engine which produces 225bhp.

Add alloy wheels, sports seats and chrome exhaust and you’ve got a high-performance version of the Focus. You can read our review on the Ford Focus ST here.

8. ECOnetic – a green model which emits 115g/km of CO2 from its 1.6-litre diesel engine, placing it into tax band B alongside the Toyota Prius and Volkswagen’s BlueMotion 2.

9. C-MAX – a larger, mini-MPV version of the successful vehicle – which comes in 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre diesel, flexi fuel and petrol versions.

10. FFV – another green vehicle, this time with a flexi-fuel engine which runs on E85 bioethanol as well as regular unleaded. The estate featured a 1.8-litre engine, making it a solid performer too. We review the Ford Focus FFV.

More facts and milestones

• The Focus RS won the Auto Trader Used Car of the Year award this year
• More than 2,000 of the 4,500 Focus RS’s built were sold in the UK
• The first generation Focus won 13 car of the year awards
• The second generation Focus has the best ever EuroNCAP ratings for its class, including full marks for the front impact test