Summary
The Ford Focus was a medium-sized hatchback and estate produced from 2018 until production ended in 2025. It was the fourth generation of a long-running nameplate and remained one of Ford’s core family cars until it was withdrawn from sale.
UK media reviews consistently praised the Ford Focus for its sharp steering, balanced handling and comfortable ride. It was widely regarded as one of the more engaging cars to drive in the family hatchback class, while still offering good practicality and sensible equipment levels. A mid-life update in 2022 refreshed the styling and upgraded the interior technology.
Now available only on the used market, the Ford Focus presents a generally strong ownership case. Running costs compare well with many rivals, and overall media reception remains positive. Reliability data sits around average, and safety scores are mid-table by today’s standards. Warranty cover was limited when new and will no longer apply to many used examples.
As of February 2026, the Ford Focus currently holds a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. Strong media scores and competitive running costs support its position as a capable and well-rounded used family car.
Focus highlights
- Engaging handling for a family hatchback
- Comfortable and well-balanced ride
- Practical hatchback and estate versions
- Competitive running costs
Focus lowlights
- Reliability only average
- Safety rating mid-table by current standards
- Dashboard technology now feels dated
- Original warranty cover was short
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £28,490 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Summer 2020
Discontinued: Autumn 2025
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The new Ford Focus is the complete deal, in its design, its quality, its technology and its performance. The new car ticks all the boxes – and in style.”
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.4 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Stuart Masson
“The Ford Focus looks great on the outside and has had a big tech update inside, but it’s not the most practical hatchback you can buy.”
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Focus is a great-handling family hatchback that also matches its rivals on interior quality and cabin space.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual hatchback ST Line Vignale (2022 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“This mid-life update for the Ford Focus isn’t dramatic, but subtle styling changes on the outside are complemented by a huge boost to the in-car tech. It’s just as sharp to drive as ever and there’s plenty of space inside. However, with many rivals offering significant electrification, Ford’s mild-hybrid set-ups risk leaving the Focus behind the competition.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“The estate option adds another dimension to the fun-driving and family-friendly Ford Focus line-up.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic Estate Vignale
Score: 7 / 10
“We love the Ford Focus Estate, and we rate the Vignale pretty highly. However, avoid the 1.0-litre petrol auto; the 1.5-litre petrol auto is a much better fit.”
Read review
Model reviewed: ST Line X Estate
Score: 9 / 10
“As stylish, entertaining and practical family cars go, the Focus Estate is one of the very best. It’s unquestionably the best car in its class to drive, and in ST-Line X spec it’s one of the more attractive on the market.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus has traditionally been the keen driver’s choice in this class, and the latest car follows that theme, with a seriously polished driving experience that’s as comfortable as it is engaging. Don’t buy your next small estate without giving this a look first.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus has traditionally been the keen driver’s choice in the family hatchback sector, and the latest car follows that theme, with a seriously polished driving experience that’s as comfortable as it is engaging. It also does a very solid job in every other area, making it a fabulous all-rounder.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ST-Line Vignale (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The mid-life facelift gives a thoroughly improved Ford Focus – with probably the best infotainment system in its class. More importantly, this Ford’s core values of spacious interior and keen drive remain unchanged. If you can get one, it’s still worthy of serious consideration.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Under the disappointingly derivative looks is a very capable car dynamically, and it’s up with the very best in terms of steering feel and B-road agility. It’s also impressively roomy and user friendly, and in terms of refinement and ergonomics, it’s light years ahead of the car it replaces.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“You’d have to really want rugged looks and a higher seating position to overlook this humble estate for an SUV.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“Many buyers might be better off opting for a cheaper trim level of the Focus, but if you crave luxury and want something a bit more unique from the regular Focus, the Vignale could make a great choice.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Ford Focus is as great to drive as ever, plus it’s spacious, well-equipped and comfortable.” (Steve Walker)
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Ford Focus Estate is a practical car that’s good looking, comfortable and great to drive.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Focus Estate is a family wagon that’s good on fuel, engaging to drive and gets the latest driving tech, but alternative estates have bigger boots.”
Author: Neil Briscoe
Read review
Model reviewed: Vignale Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Focus estate Vignale is an Estate car that’s been given a luxurious makeover. However, it isn’t great value for money and some alternatives have bigger boots.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Vignale hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Focus Vignale is a family car that’s been given a luxurious makeover. However, it isn’t great value for money and some alternative are more desirable.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 150hp Active X estate
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Ford may be on to something, with a small swell of opinion forming against SUV running costs and practicality. This could be a halfway house that suits.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual ST-Line estate
“The Ford Focus Estate is still one of the best-driving small estates out there, and now one of the more practical, too. It’s just a shame about that dashboard – with more high-quality materials, this could be one of the best estates in its class.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7.9 / 10
“A vital vehicle for the UK company car market, Ford has all the bases pretty much covered, but the claim that the Focus is its best car ever is a stretch.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual hatchback Titanium
“The new Ford Focus is now the equal of the VW Golf for ride, and has an advantage in terms of driver engagement. However, the somewhat ordinary interior doesn’t offer the leap forward in quality or design you’d expect from an all-new model.”
Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
“It’s only when you climb inside Ford’s new Focus hatchback and drive it that you realise what a cracking family car this really is. If you stuck a premium Audi badge on this then people would be raving about it.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual ST-Line X
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Focus remains a solid family hatch, but after 20 years of delivering genuine fun it is lamentable to report that the Ford is no longer going to nudge you to take the long and winding road at every opportunity.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“Estates used to be big, square and boxy. Worse, they were also not much fun to drive. So it’s no wonder they lost out to the SUV crowd. Cars like the Nissan Qashqai managed to combine interior space with swish lines that meant for once you didn’t feel like you were driving a minicab… even if the interior was all sticky with a heady combination of Ribena and raisins.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Focus isn’t the cheapest car of its type, either, but it is very competitive on that score, so it does stack up financially. All in all, we can see why the Focus has proved so popular over the years, and that’s because it’s a sound, sensible – not to mention really enjoyable – choice.”
Read review
Motors
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Focus is one of the UK’s most popular new cars, and combines great value with practicality and an enjoyable driving experience.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: hatchback range
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Very little to fault it on – a huge step from its already impressive predecessor”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Practical Ford Focus is roomy and great to drive”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: ST-Line X hatchback
“Is this really the best Ford ever? Quite possibly.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Focus Vignale hatchback
Score: 7 / 10
“Great fun to drive and decently spacious but isn’t great value for money.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol manual ST-Line X hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Focus, then, has almost everything you could want from an affordable hatchback and makes a worthy successor to the outgoing family favourite.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual 150hp ST-Line estate
Score: 8 / 10
“As before, the Ford Focus Estate will suit buyers who prize feel and smoothness above interior quality, but this time round its much-improved practicality makes it a more recommendable option – and a compelling one at that.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a lot to like here including the useful cabin space, a range of safety and semi-autonomous driving technologies and a calmer approach to dashboard design. The Ford Focus still hovers at or near the top in terms of driving appeal.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus Estate is a thoroughly capable family car that handles far better than it really needs to.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The driving appeal comes from a balance of sweet engines, fine steering, great cornering and well-tuned ride.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Date expired: January 2026
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 75%
Notes on safety rating
The Ford Focus was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2019 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2026 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Focus to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre Mild Hybrid Petrol FWD Manual
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: December 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.3 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4 / 10
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 47 mpg | C |
| Diesel models | 58 mpg | B |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 124 g/km | B | ||
| Diesel models | 126 g/km | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 14 | A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £162 | A |
| Year 2 | £411 | A |
| Year 3 | £662 | A |
| Year 4 | £901 | A |
| Year 5 | £1,206 | A |
| Overall | £3,342 | A |
The Ford Focus is a pretty affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy for petrol models sits at around the market average, and diesel models are the fuel-efficient choice. Insurance premiums are comparatively low and service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership should be excellent.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 991
Average repair cost: £651.22
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Ford Focus has a fairly average reliability score of 62%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers not just the current Focus, but previous (pre-2018) models as well, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re looking at a used car.
Of most concern is that engine problems are both the most common type of fault and also the most expensive, with an average repair bill of about £1,100. Gearbox problems are similarly expensive and not uncommon.
The good is that other problems tend to be relatively inexpensive to repair. However, if you’re looking at a used Ford Focus then you should make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Ford Focus
| Overall rating | E | 15% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 60,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 0 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 0 miles |
Ford’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).
Warranty on a used Ford Focus
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Ford Focus from an official Ford Direct dealership, you will get a minimum two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty included.
- If you are buying a used Ford Focus from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Ford Focus from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.de to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Ford Focus
Date: August 2023
Recall number: R/2023/237
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2023 to 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 96
Defect: The Lighting Driver Module software may be incorrectly configured, which could potentially cause the adaptive headlamps to not work as intended.
Remedy: Software update and/or headlamp adjustment in order to restore feature functionality.
Date: July 2023
Recall number: R/2023/204
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 3
Defect: Tape used to protect the end of the ground connection wiring harness of the 48-volt battery may have become trapped beneath the nut securing the wiring harness.
Remedy: Inspect the ground connection harness. If required the tape on end of the connector will be reapplied and the nut tightened to the specified torque.
Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/186
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2023 to 05/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 2,196
Defect: Certain vehicles may be fitted with a seatbelt that does not meet the high specification expected by Ford due to a rivet that is holding the buckle not being fully secured.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all vehicles and, if found necessary, will replace the part that is not meeting specification.
Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/248
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2022 to 07/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 179
Defect: Vehicles could have a front suspension knuckle that was incorrectly manufactured.
Remedy: Inspect and, if necessary, replace the affected components.
Date: July 2022
Recall number: R/2022/239
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2022 to 07/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 9,388
Defect: The eCall feature may stop functioning due to a malfunction.
Remedy: The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced.
Date: July 2022
Recall number: R/2022/176
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 12
Defect: The Garnish Panel from the Panorama roof may detach.
Remedy: Test the adhesion of the panel bonding material and, if necessary, replace the panel.
Date: April 2022
Recall number: R/2022/171
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 9,818
Defect: Certain vehicles could have an engine oil separator that may have been damaged prior to engine assembly.
Remedy: Inspect the engine oil separator and, if found to be damaged and/or leaking, a replacement engine oil separator must be installed.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/051
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2021 to 01/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 17
Defect: The nuts on the 48-volt battery poles may not be torqued to specification.
Remedy: Remove both positive and negative poll nuts and inspect the wiring for signs of damage. Any damaged wiring will be replaced. Both nuts will be refitted and torqued to specification.
Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/285
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2020 to 01/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: The screw which secures the ground cable of the 48-volt battery may not be fully secured.
Remedy: Replace the ground cable bolt on all vehicles and torque to specification.
Date: May 2021
Recall number: R/2021/177
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 100
Defect: Vehicles may have an issue with the current software that controls the functionality of the eCall system.
Remedy: Carry out a software update.
Date: March 2021
Recall number: R/2021/020
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2018 to 05/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,273
Defect: Possible transmission stud damage to wiring loom following repair.
Remedy: Check that the correct transmission stud has been replaced. If not, the correct stud must be replaced, and the wiring loom should be inspected for damage and repaired as necessary.
Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/021
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2020 to 11/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 13
Defect: A nut securing the MHEV battery connection may not be torqued to specification.
Remedy: Remove the nut and inspect the wiring for signs of damage. Any damaged wiring will be replaced. A new nut will be fitted and torqued to specification in all circumstances.
Date: August 2020
Recall number: R/2020/175
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 542
Defect: The engine wiring loom may touch a bolt on the transmission housing which could lead to damage to the wiring loom.
Remedy: Check for enough wiring loom clearance replace the clip and secure harness if not. Any damage to the wiring harness to be repaired as necessary.
Date: April 2020
Recall number: R/2019/454
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,664
Defect: Engine wiring loom may touch a stud on the transmission housing.
Remedy: Transmission stud to be replaced with a bolt and rerouting of the wiring loom.
Date: January 2020
Recall number: R/2019/421
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 4,538
Defect: A defect on the Power Distribution Box (PDB) pins may potentially cause an intermittent poor connection on a number of terminals.
Remedy: Inspect for potential damage. If present, replace Power Distribution Box and interfacing wiring loom pins.
Date: November 2019
Recall number: R/2019/334
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2019 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: Seat belt anchors and seat bolts may not be secured as per specification.
Remedy: Check tighten and torque all identified bolts to specification.
Date: March 2019
Recall number: R/2019/085
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2018 to 11/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 22
Defect: Bolts fixing the front suspension to the vehicle may not be tightened to the correct torque.
Remedy: The front suspension bolts must be inspected and set to the correct torque.
Date: February 2019
Recall number: R/2019/045
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 01/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,729
Defect: Potential for the rear doors to open when the rear windows are lowered.
Remedy: Ensure the door release cable is in the correct position and adjusted, if necessary.
Date: December 2018
Recall number: R/2018/375
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2018 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 5,336
Defect: A brake pedal hinge bolt which does not meet specification.
Remedy: Check torque of brake pedal hinge bolt. If the vehicle fails the test, replace the brake pedal box.
Date: November 2018
Recall number: R/2018/261
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2018 to 08/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 3,021
Defect: Rear door latch child lock may not function correctly.
Remedy: Check child locks for correct activation and replace if necessary.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been 20 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on this generation of the Ford Focus to address different issues. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Ford dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Focus, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Ford Focus has received
2020
- Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car
2019
- Fleet News Awards – Best Lower Medium Car
- Great British Fleet Awards – Best New Car + Best Lower Medium Fleet Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Small Family Car
- Towcar of the Year Awards – Winner, Caravan Weight 1300kg – 1400kg + Best Family Towcar categories
2018
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Small Family Car
- carwow Awards – Family Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ford Focus, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Current models: Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | Citroën C4 | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Mazda 3 | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Peugeot 308 | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
Discontinued models: Fiat Tipo (2016 to 2024) | Honda Civic (2017 to 2022) | Kia Ceed (2018 to 2025) | Mini Countryman (2017 to 2024) | Renault Megane (2016 to 2022) | Suzuki Swace (2021 to 2025)
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