There are no less than six petrol engines to choose from – a 79bhp 1.4, a 1.6 with 98- or (exclusively with Zetec S trim) 114bhp, a 123bhp 1.8, a 143bhp 2.0 and the 222bhp 2.5 in the hot ST. All will do a decent job, apart from the overly sluggish 1.4. The diesel line-up includes two 1.6s with 89bhp or 108bhp, a 1.8 with 113bhp and a 134bhp 2.0. Again, the least powerful option is best avoided, but the others are punchy enough.

Sports suspension is standard on the Zetec cars and an option on Titanium models, but this gives the Focus an overly firm low-speed ride. Even the regular set-up is firm, but it's better at dealing with battered surfaces, and it still provides fine body control. The steering is accurate and informative and grip is strong, so it's great fun.

All engines are quiet and smooth, even when worked hard. The diesels betray themselves with a small murmur, but are still among the best in the class. Wind noise is effectively sealed out, too. However, road noise varies dramatically depending on the wheels, tyres and suspension fitted, and even in the quietest examples it remains a problem.

The Focus is a little on the pricey side, but big discounts are very easy to come by. Running costs should be reasonable, too, thanks to modest insurance, servicing and leasing costs. Fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are also par for the course, and only the mediocre residual values let the side down.

The Focus appears to be well screwed together. However, hard, cheap-looking plastics have been used for the lower reaches of the cabin and the centre console, and that gives too much of a budget feel. Ford has a decent reliability record, though, and there’s nothing to suggest that the engines and mechanicals won’t prove hardy.

Stability control is fitted as standard across the range. Studio trim makes do with four airbags, whereas all other models get six. The Focus was awarded a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Deadlocks help keep out thieves, while a visible VIN and marked mechanical parts make it easier to trace the car, should the worst happen.

The dash may look a little dull, but the controls and instruments are a model of clarity. The driver’s seat can be cranked up and down using a simple ratchet lever and, combined with two-way steering adjustment, means that people of all shapes and sizes can get comfortable. Slim rear pillars mean over-the-shoulder vision is excellent, too.

Any worries about the steeply sloping rear roofline of the Focus are not borne out when sitting in the back seat. Instead, there’s good headroom and an airy feel to the rear of the cabin. The boot is generous and a practical, rectangular shape with no irritating intrusions from the wheelarches.

Entry-level Studio cars have electric front windows and an iPod socket, but you have to upgrade to Style for air-conditioning and foglamps. Econetic cars are similar but with sports suspension. Zetec models have that, too, along with alloys and a heated windscreen, while Zetec S adds a bodykit. Choose Titanium for cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.