Ford Focus Estate (05-11) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 15 February 2006

Last Updated: 16 December 2008

As small estates go, the Focus is often overlooked in favour of more stylish models. Which is a real shame as it makes a great car for load lugging thanks to a excellent boot space and a wide, long load area. Of course being a Ford it is also great to drive and loses none of the handling prowess of the Focus hatchback, with the same responsive steering and good body control. With supple suspension it also rides well, even with a full load on board and there's decent rear passenger space too. A great range of engines is available, our pick being the excellent TDCi units, which offer a blend of punchy performance and impressive fuel economy. The model was facelifted in January 2008 with sharper looks and improved interior quality while a low emissions ECOnetic version was also available for the first time. In 2009 the eco version was improved to lowering emissions and averaging 70mpg.

4 out of 5

Other Ford reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£13,645 - £21,395

Used price range:

£2,375 - £15,327

View all used prices

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Practical and cavernous boot, good to drive, well built cabin, comfortable, excellent diesels

Dull looks, no clever flat folding seat system

For the review of the latest Ford Focus Estate click here

Driving & Performance

Performance

4 out of 5
"The engine choice in the estate range is similar to that of the hatchback, albeit without the..."
Handling

4.5 out of 5
"One of the Focus's greatest strengths is its handling and the estate version is no different. Even..."

Comfort

Comfort

4 out of 5
"The cabin of the Focus feels spacious and comfortable and there is easily room enough for five..."
Practicality

4.5 out of 5
"The boxy rear end of the Focus estate won't win many style awards, but what it does mean is plenty..."
Equipment

3 out of 5
"Trim levels starting from the most basic are Studio, LX, Zetec, Ghia and Titanium. All models get..."
Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5
"Ford has worked hard to raise quality in an attempt to take the fight to the Volkswagen Golf and the..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"Day-to-day running costs are going to be typically affordable. Although depreciation will always be..."
Green credentials

4 out of 5
"Focus is an environmentally friendly model. With an average of 154g/km CO2 across the line-up, its..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

5 out of 5
"Virtually all models get six airbags (the base model Studio has to make do without curtain airbags)..."
Reliability

4.5 out of 5
"It has been on sale since 2005 and no significant problems have yet appeared. Owners have reported..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

3.5 out of 5
"Dealers might still be reluctant to offer a big discount, however it's a competitive market, so a..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"The estate is not as common as the hatch but there are still plenty about from both dealers and..."
Selling

3 out of 5
"Small estates are not as popular as larger models (like the Mondeo for instance) but they are a good..."