The Ford focus review has traditionally set the benchmark in the family hatchback sector of the market. Of that there's no doubt. The MK2 version, however, has a tougher family hatch fight on its hands than its predecessor. Maybe the latest facelift will be enough to keep it on top. Time for an up to date judgement then - and where better to start with the entry-level 'Studio' versions?
Prices start at £11,945 for the 78bhp 1.4-litre petrol engined 3-door Studio. Of course this variant isn't going to set any land speed records but then purchasers of this type of car have other priorities when selecting their vehicles. What they do get, however, is top class family hatchback that drives with much of the refinement previously reserved in latter times for luxury saloons that couldn't hold a candle to the way this car handles. The 5-door hatchback bodystyle offers a choice of the 1.4-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel. The Studio trim level also offers an estate option featuring a1.6-litre Duratec petrol unit or the 1.6-litre TDCi.The comprehensive package of safety measures on the Studio includes ESP stability control as well as front and side airbags for both driver and front passenger. There are also front seat belt pre-tensioners, front seat belt load-limiting retractors and a foot pedal intrusion prevention system. It is amazing how far we have come over recent years with regard to safety. It is not that long ago that technology like this would only have been offered on a top of the range executive model whereas now it is standard equipment on an entry-level family hatch.
Ford's tried and trusted 1.4-litre petrol unit will get the entry-level Focus Studio to 62mph in a leisurely 14.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 101mph. More importantly for this car though is the fuel consumption and here you'll return a healthy 42mpg on the combined cycle and a reasonable emissions figure of 159g/km. The 1.6-litre TDCi diesel which features in the 5-door model does the sprint in 11.3 seconds and hits a top speed of 115mph. Fuel consumption is an impressive 59mpg on the combined cycle and the emissions' figure of 127g/km has very 'green' credentials.Ford focus review
