FORD FOCUS Estate 2011 on

Had the car from new and is now 18 months old. Titanium version is very well equiped and is comfortable over long journeys. The excellent Sony music system is not disturbed by vehicle or road noise at motyorway speeds.

PRACTICALITY

The car has lots of practical space for its' class. The beauty of the Focus is the fact that the base of the rear seats actually fold forward to allow the backs to fold down completely to give a flat load floor if needed. Not many competitors match Ford for this.

The 1.6 turbo engine has guts and when the revs are right it gives you the confidence to overtake safely.

RUNNING COSTS

Although the road tax is negligable, beware of Ford's claimed economy figures. According to Ford, this car should give 55mpg (Urban), 76mpg (extra urban) and 67mpg (combined). My previous 2.0L petrol Mondeo averaged about half way between Ford's urban and combined figures so I thought it reasonable to expect a similar estimate from the Focus. This would equate to high 50's to 60mpg but like other reviewers, the car is only averaging 43mpg. Even a 20 mile run across a level motorway (and back) at a constant 56mph only returned 54.5mpg - this is less than Ford's claimed urban cycle.

RELIABILITY

During the first 12 months, the engine sometimes stuttered on the motorway but that appears to have rectified itself for now (fingers crossed).

Recently the keyless power button has developed a mind of its' own. On several occasions it has refused to stop the engine until the fourth or fifth press. Then when it does, the ignition remains on and I have to start and stop the engine again to get everything to turn off. Having covered only 12,000 miles, this does not fill me with confidence for the future.

Also, even when the engine is still cold the cooling fan sometimes comes on and stays on for about 20 minutes after stopping the car. The fan is so loud that people have stopped me to tell me I have left the engine running

Styling of the estate version is much better than the hatchback although I'm still not sold on the ugly lower front grille.

I'm 6 foot 2 and with the drivers seat in a comfortable positon there is not much space in the back. Boot is a reasonable size though but smaller than the previous shape focus!

The ducting for the rear pasenger compartment heating has come adrift although fixed under warranty and the remote key fobs are particularly unreliable, no other faults so far though.

Most of my driving is town driving but still surprised to only manage 43mpg over 5000 miles even with the start/stop.

Drives well but not as good as the old focus, doesn't inspire confidence in its handling the same way as my 2008 focus did.

Performance is acceptable but the 2.0 140bhp diesel would probably be better. The equipment list is sparse, titanium trim level would be better. Although I do like the DAB radio, bluetooth and USB connection.

Absolutely delighted with this car after downsizing from a less than impressive Mondeo Estate. it is quiet, good to drive and very economical with a mix of long runs and short commutes resulting in 50mpg. Opted for the appearance pack which really adds to the cars looks with special alloys and deep tinted glass from the B post backwards, however the alloys are difficult to clean.

Fitted a set of winter tyres and on the one day of snow so far the grip was incredible.

It has better looks than the hatchback and I can honestly recommend this car to anybody looking for an economical everyday vehicle.