• Frugal petrol and diesel engines
• Still no PHEV system available
• Cheap servicing across line-up

What are the running costs?

Ford neglected to introduce a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the facelifted version of the Focus, despite the fact that the car shares its platform with the Kuga PHEV. This means means running costs (and company car tax rates) will be greater than some of its electrified rivals – namely the Volkswagen Golf.

Despite this, efficiency isn’t as bad as it could be. Ford fitted a mild hybrid system (mHEV) to its 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engines in 2020, which helped improve fuel economy and emissions. Ford claims you can extract as much as 54.3mpg from the unit – and, while that’s a little on the optimistic side in the real world, you should see high 40s if you drive carefully.

You can still have the 1.0-litre engine without mild-hybrid assistance, but it’s not really worth opting for. The mHEV system is less than £2,000 more expensive than the pure-petrol option, which you should be able to claw back in fuel cost savings within the first couple of years of ownership. However if you value fuel economy above all else, you’d be better off behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf or SEAT Leon.

In an increasingly unusual move in this class, you can still buy a Focus diesel. Its a 1.5-litre unit that delivers around 45mpg in the real-world, and it has even lower CO2 ratings than the Ecoboost petrol. Drive it carefully and you’ll be able to screw almost 600 miles from a tank of fuel.

View detailed MPG and CO2 figures on the Ford Focus specs pages

Servicing and warranty

There should be no unpleasant surprises when it comes to servicing and maintaining a Focus, as Ford parts and labour costs are typically lower. A number of service packages are also available from main dealers, which further help keep costs in check.

Warranty is three years and unlimited mileage, which you can extend to four or five years at an additional cost. Compared with up-to 10 years offered by rivals, Ford’s warranty is beginning to look a little bit mean.

Reliability

• Overall reliability record is good
• New car has had some recalls
• Previous car had only one recall

In 2020, the Ford Focus had received five recalls. The first is relating to a potential fault causing the rear doors to open when the rear windows are lowered. Four of the others relate to potential electrical gremlins, while the last involved the seat belt anchors needing to be checked. If buying a used Focus, it’s worthwhile making sure these potential issues have been rectified.

The previous Ford Focus was reliable, and, despite being sold from 2011 through to 2018, only had one recall regarding an airbag fault. Exceptionally good going for a car built in such huge numbers.

Head on over to our owner’s review section to see what this generation Focus has been like to live with.