Ford Focus Saloon (05-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Small saloons have never caught on in the UK. Unlike the rest of mainland Europe, British buyers prefer hatchbacks and it's easy to see why. The Focus saloon is a perfect example - it's not as practical as the hatch version, nor as good looking and although the boot is a good size, it can't cope with large or bulky items. The range of engines is slimmed down (there's no low emissions ECOnetic version) but from behind the wheel there's no difference from the standard car, the Focus saloon handles well, is easy to drive and has an excellent interior. In early 2008 the model was facelfited with a new front end and a much improved interior. It' still the same price as the five-door hatch, but unless you must have a boot, there seems little reason to choose one.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£15,795 - £21,345

Used price range:

£2,608 - £10,997

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Good to drive, robust build quality, comfortable on the move

Hatch and estate are more practical, not an easy car to sell second hand,

Small saloons have never caught on in the UK. Unlike the rest of mainland Europe, British buyers prefer hatchbacks and it's easy to see why. The Focus saloon is a perfect example - it's not as practical as the hatch version, nor as good looking and although the boot is a good size, it can't cope with large or bulky items. The range of engines is slimmed down (there's no low emissions ECOnetic version) but from behind the wheel there's no difference from the standard car, the Focus saloon handles well, is easy to drive and has an excellent interior. In early 2008 the model was facelfited with a new front end and a much improved interior. It' still the same price as the five-door hatch, but unless you must have a boot, there seems little reason to choose one.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "The Focus saloon comes with a similar engine line up to the hatchback and estate, but drops the..."

  • Handling

    4.5 out of 5

    "There's no difference between the Focus saloon and hatchback, so even models with modest powerplants..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "The cabin of the Focus saloon feels spacious and comfortable and there is easily room enough for..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "Having a boot rather than a hatchback tailgate means the Focus saloon doesn't offer the flexibility..."

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5

    "The Focus saloon is available in Ghia and Titanium trims only. All models get front electric windows..."

  • 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

    "Running costs should be in-line with the hatchback, so parts and servicing should be reasonable."

  • Green credentials

    3 out of 5

    "Unlike the hatchback or estate, there's no low emissions ECOnetic model available. However the..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    5 out of 5

    "The Focus saloon is only available in higher trim levels, which means all cars have good safety..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "The previous Focus model was very reliable - just a handful of minor niggles were reported during..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "Although the hatchback is available in significant number from car supermarkets and brokers, the..."

  • Buying used

    2.5 out of 5

    "Compared to the hatch, the Focus saloon is a small seller so there aren't many on the second hand..."

  • Selling

    2 out of 5

    "Most buyers will be after a hatchback or estate, so selling a Focus saloon can be difficult. The key..."

Gallery

  • Interior Ford Focus Saloon (05-09)
  • Exterior Ford Focus Saloon (05-09)
  • Exterior Ford Focus Saloon (05-09)
  • Exterior Ford Focus Saloon (05-09)

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Owners' reviews