Taking a look at four generations of the Ford Focus

Just over 20 years ago, Ford revolutionised the family car market when it introduced the Focus. It had a modern look and was fun to drive – everything that the Escort it replaced wasn’t.

Now, there’s a new one. But can it live up to the reputation set by its predecessors? Let’s have a look.

Focus Mk1

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Brought in to replace the ageing and distinctly average Escort, the Focus had to be good to beat decent rivals in the form of the Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra. Fortunately for the Blue Oval, it absolutely nailed the new model, bringing a fresh design and fun driving dynamics to the family car market.

It got all the basics right, with a relatively long wheelbase resulting in excellent cabin space, a new suspension set-up making it the best handling car in its class and, in the form of the RS model, an utterly brilliant hot hatch.

Focus Mk2

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The Mk2 Focus had big boots to fill when it arrived on the scene in 2004 – and fill them it did. Although it was larger and heavier than its predecessor, it built on the great driving dynamics of the original as well as its capabilities as a family machine – deservedly becoming one of the most common cars on UK roads across its seven-year production run.

It wasn’t just the regular car that improved on the original. This generation’s Focus RS was also more powerful, more tech-filled and even more green (literally – it was available in lurid Ultimate Green), carving itself a niche as one of hot hatch history’s greats.

Focus Mk3

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Replacement couldn’t come quickly enough for the Mk2 Focus, though, which was looking decidedly long in the tooth against premium rivals such as the Golf and Astra. Though the Mk3’s styling was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, in all key areas the Focus had been improved.

It’s sharp to look at, packed with kit, and features a wide range of brilliant engines, particularly the innovative EcoBoost petrols. A comprehensive facelift in 2014 gave it a distinctive face and much improved interior, too. Of note for keen drivers are the brilliant ST and RS models, but every Focus retains the great driving dynamics of the original.

Focus Mk4

The latest Ford Focus is arguably one of the sleekest to date. It’s available with one of four engines – two petrols and two diesels – and we’d argue that there’s a ‘hot’ ST version on the way soon too. It also manages to retain one of the Focus’ key selling points – the way it drives. It manages to be nimble while comfortable, making it a good choice for those who have a interest in driving too.

There’s also a chunky crossover in the form of the Focus Active. This benefits from additional cladding, while a raised right height gives you a slightly more commanding view of the road ahead. Of course, there’s also an estate version of the Focus too, for those who want the very best load-lugging ability possible.