Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04) - Review

It's hard to believe the Focus has been around since 1998 but it still offers plenty of room in the front, however tall rear passengers will find legroom limited on long trips. Squeezing three adults in the back isn't out of the question but getting in and out of the back of a three-door is tricky.

A decent size boot makes it ideal for the usual weekly shopping trips and family days out. The tailgate opening is wide and the boot sill is low, so it's simple to load plus there's a good amount of bins and cubbies for odds and ends.

The neat dash still looks good today thanks to its simple lay-out plus most of the switches are chunky, making them easy to use. All the controls are intuitive and it's a very easy car to get on with. The Focus may not have the most upmarket cabin around, but it remains one of the most user-friendly with plenty of storage and a good driving position. Designed for mile-munching sales reps, the seats won't give you a numb bum after 300 miles.