If you are quick and sufficiently educated in the esoterica of the World Rally Championship to know when you see one a Ford Focus decked out in its rally manifestation, you will be rendered immediately and irresistibly aware of the class that these greased lightning vehicles ooze as they gracefully negotiate the translation from high-intensity racing car to the mass-produced consumer vehicle on which Ford built its reputation and by which was significantly affected the trajectory of the western 20th Century. The Ford Focus XR5 battles for hot hatch first class honours in a segment that is fiercely contested by other car makers. The engine comes from the Volvo 2.5 litre turbocharged car that is normally found in the Volvo T5 models, and packs a mean 166kW at 6000 rpm and a very burly 320 Nm at a very low 1600 rpm. The small hot hatch body gives the Ford Focus ST a high power to weight ratio. Do your sums and you will see how this machine has the potential to fly. Zero to 62 mph comes up in a mere 6.8 seconds and top speed is a heart thumping 152 mph. The Ford Focus performance flagship model is driven through a manual 6 speed gear box and feels just so lightning quick to push through the gears to experience high velocity travel.

From the surface, the Focus looks magnificent as it sits bolstered by 18 inch alloy wheels, duly complemented by a spoiler and assertive, jutting nose. It is an interesting subtlety on the part of the designers that what lies beneath is to some extent masked and diffused by this bullish opening statement.

The Focus’ abilities, and they are manifold, do not rest entirely on the shoulders of the XR5, its rally-modified incarnation; rather, many and disparate members of the far-flung Ford family have come together to contribute genetic material to this special little progeny. The entry model Focus, then, as our icon and example: for those on a shoestring budget but with an admiration for the economical refinements that the tenacious Focus affords then the CL hatch enters the scene with the 2.0 litre 5 spd 107 kW petrol unit and is presented with my commendations. Designed and engineered in Germany the base model Ford Focus CL sedan features not only the smooth 2.0 litre Duratec 16V engine but comes with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic.  The car has Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension, an Anti-lock Braking System, (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).  Driver, front passenger and side front airbags are all standard  and so to is the remote central locking, Electro hydraulic power steering, CD audio system and stylish 15 inch steel wheels.  A solid and reliable gateway into the midst of the ranks, then.

Apart from the  2.0 litre 107 kw normally aspirated engine, which is prevalent in most Ford Focus models, the 166 kW XR5 Turbo leads the charge, while the other engine available is the highly rated 2.0 litre TDCI diesel engine.  The 2.0TD comes with a six speed manual gear box which is smooth and quick to use. It also has nice and accessible power on demand – even at low engine revs. There are five speed manuals, six speed manuals and four speed automatics available on various models.  You can opt for the sedan or the hatch body and, if you like topless motoring, there is the sexy and fun Ford Focus CC which is co-styled with Pininfarina.  This one is sure to tickle your fancy.

The Ford Focus range has, for some years now, served a similar benchmark role as that played in assessing inflation by the price of a bottle of milk and a loaf of bread. Although not renowned for its lurching thrills or sweeping aesthetic finesse, in terms of handling, comfort and overall performance, Ford have established for their showcase middle-size car a reputation as an affordable but nonetheless stylish package.

The quicker the car, the stiffer the suspension needs to be. This is the sensible rule of thumb that Ford has stuck with for the Focus range. All Ford Focus models are well mannered to drive and have wonderfully accurate steering action. Each suspension set up works with the road surface, absorbing rather than skidding over bumps and pulling away from the correct driving line.

Inside each Ford Focus variant, passengers and driver can enjoy a roomy comfortable cabin that has pleasant trim levels ranging from cloth to full leather. Driver instruments are clear, simple and ergonomically brilliant. Even the base models are well equipped cars that give occupants a sense of luxury in travel. Safety items are superb. There is plenty of dynamic safety available. ESP, ABS and TCS as well as the necessary airbags are built into Ford Focus’ safety packaging. And a five-star Euro NCAP safety test rating, as with most of their brood, isn’t too bad, is it?

All in all, I was thoroughly impressed by this admirable performer. Provided you don’t literally want to take it careering around a dirt circuit in the Spanish or Brazilian bush, you should find as much as you need here at a price that will break the bank of few.

Specifications:
• Engine: 1999cc four-cylinder (16-valve)
• Power: 107kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 185Nm @ 4500rpm
• Induction: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: Five speed manual
• Driven Wheels: Front wheel drive
• Brakes: Four wheel discs
• Top Speed: N/A
• 0-100km/h: N/A
• CO2 Emissions: 169g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 7.1-litres/100km (ADR combined)
• Fuel Consumption: 6.5-litres/100km (as tested)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 55-litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: Five star
• Airbags: Six
• Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. ESP.
• Spare Wheel: Space saver
• Suspension: Independent front and rear
• Cargo Capacity: 385-litres
• Tow Capacity: 900kg (braked)/650kg (unbraked)
• Turning Circle: 10.7 metres
• Warranty: Three-years/100,000km
• Weight: 1312kg
• Wheels: 16-inch alloy with 205/55R16 tyres