Do you like the Focus? You’re not alone. Outside of the Mazda3, you probably won’t find a better example of the compacts. So it’s a little long in the tooth. Ford, unlike most companies, didn’t do too much to update it, adding a diesel engine to the trims. Is that enough?

Sure, we left out the fact that the design language matches the rest of the Ford line now in production throughout the world. But still, the Focus is basically the same design you’ve seen for the past several iterations. And we submit that it’s not a bad thing at all.

See, the Focus is like the beautiful sister who gets more attention than her fellow Euro debutante, the Mondeo. We’ve liked it in petrol-burning form thanks to its good handling. Specifically, it feels right in the hand as the steering wheel provides the feel of the road, even though it manages to not lead you off the road if you make a mistake.

If you like to drive, the TDCi hatchback makes the experience even better. The engine propels occupants with 100kW of power and more than 320Nm of torque. It would take a shoddy transmission to make that not push the Focus about with aplomb. Ford made it even better with its Powershift transmission. Six speeds keep you in whatever band of the tachometer you want, and there’s little hint of a lag. Basically, you get a torque-y engine that manages to make the Focus driving experience even better.

Oh, and if you don’t want to make life too much of an effort, the automatic mode is almost as nice, and still leaves you feeling like you’re in control. Speaking of that, the cabin is nicely set up with all the buttons for the USB/iPod connectivity easy to find. Some of the button blanks that would be filled up in other trims are a bit much to look at, and the legroom in back is mediocre. You also wouldn’t want to use all five seats unless you were shuttling kids.

The oiler does do wonders for the monthly bills; with consumption at 5.7L/100km in combined driving you won’t need to reach too deep to pay for your commute and any other driving you need to do. You won’t be making any complaints about the road noise either since the Focus is like many other Fords in keeping the feedback from the road to the feet on the pedals and the hand on the steering wheel.

It’s not perfect, but at $28,900 out the door with the PowerShift transmission, you’re getting a lot. When you add in the lack of fuel costs to the mix, you’re looking at a car that manages to offer a lot of refinement without needing to flaunt it. Think of it like the niece that went to uni and got her degree with time to spare. She’s a lot like the little girl that went off to study, but she’s ended up with a few more capabilities without losing any of the charm that made her the favorite of family get-togethers.

That’s the Focus, and it’s worth a gander or three. If you need a comparison, take a look at the Corolla for a few less features, the Mazda3 for a tight-handling competitor, and the Civic for something a little bit in between. We still think you might find the Ford the best bet, though.

Specifications:
Engine: 1999cc four-cylinder (16-valve)
Power: 100kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 2000rpm
Induction: Turbocharged
Transmission: Six speed manual
Driven Wheels: Front wheel drive
Brakes: Four wheel discs
Top Speed: N/A
0-100km/h: N/A
CO2 Emissions: 146g/km
Fuel Consumption: 5.6-litres/100km (ADR combined)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 53-litres
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Five star
Airbags: Six
Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. ESP.
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