Ford Focus Saloon (05-09) - Review

The cabin of the Focus saloon feels spacious and comfortable and there is easily room enough for five adults with good head and legroom - even in the rear. It's a refined environment in which to travel, especially on long journeys with limited engine and road noise. The seats are very comfortable too plus a DAB digital radio is available as an optional extra for even more channels on the move. .

Having a boot rather than a hatchback tailgate means the Focus saloon doesn't offer the flexibility of the hatchback or estate - the boot is also quite high off the ground, so can be quite difficult to access. But with 526 litres of luggage space it offers more than the hatch (which offers 385 litres) plus comes with folding seats. However it can't carry large or boxy items like the standard Focus can. There is plenty of cabin storage though including large door pockets and central cubby that doubles as the front armrest.

Ford has worked hard to raise quality in an attempt to take the fight to the Volkswagen Golf and the interior is well finished with soft touch materials. The appearance of the interior is much improved on facelifted cars and shows more attention to detail - particularly around the instruments. The driving position offers plenty of adjustment, especially if the car has electrically adjustable seats while the variable assistance power steering makes for easy parking and plenty of feedback on the move.