Strategically important for Ford, the new third-generation Focus takes a proven and successful model and adds refinement and greater quality (with pricing to match).

Wider and longer than the previous version, it manages to be a little lower at the same time. The front end comes across as a bit too busy, but some will love it and it certainly is more characterful than the Mk2.

Inside, the big dashboard commands the scene. Spanning across what seems like 100 square metres, it has a centre console that sprouts forward into the cabin. It helps create a driver “pod”, but front passengers might find it intrusive. The steering wheel, especially on a fully specced car, has an absolute plethora of buttons, controls and levers. Daunting doesn’t describe it, but then this car is well equipped from entry level on, although some might consider that this generates too much information for the driver.

The front seats are comfortably supportive and, despite the lower height of the car overall, the rear seats can accommodate tall passengers, albeit sitting a little higher.

On the road, the chassis performance is extremely competent, delivering sharp handling through the nicely direct steering, the electric power assist working well, although at times a little over eager. Ride is firm but not harsh. Compliance over potholes (why is this so much more important nowadays?) is good and the cornering displays an excellent degree of grip.

Of the engines on offer, the 1.6 TDCi engine, in both 95 and 115PS output forms, produces 109g/km CO2; a substantial improvement against the outgoing model. The 2.0 TDCi, a joint Ford/Peugeot effort, is less smooth but generates fairly gutsy outputs of 140 and 163PS, again both power levels producing a common 129g/km. The 1.6 petrols range from 105 through to 180PS.

The diesels drive through a slick six-speed transmission. Five-speed is the standard for the petrols, although the 150 and 180PS EcoBoost engines also get six gears. The 180PS power unit is not up to ST standards of performance, but it will suffice – sadly not in UK, Spain or Italy yet.  Ford tell us that they has reduced the number of possible build combinations by 97.5% against 2008 – and we all say “thank you” for that. It expects Zetec, not surprisingly, to take the lion’s share of supply (c.55%).

Not available in the UK, the four-door Focus meets a strong mainland Europe demand for a booted version and is a finely proportioned car. At just over 15cm longer than the five-door, it enjoys a short, somewhat stubby tail not dissimilar to the BMW coupe, which balances the car’s lines superbly. Not surprisingly, the boot loses out big time against the hatch for storage capacity: 374 litres to 674 litres. But if load carrying is not a big issue, then pity the countries that don’t get this bodystyle; in our view it is the best looking of the bunch.

'Strengths'

Fresh, modern – highlights the ageing nature of Golf. The standard fitment across the range of digital radio gives it an edge, in certain territories, over its direct competitors, overriding any fears of obsolete ICE when the vehicles are defleeted into the used car sector.

'Weaknesses'

In 2010, Mk2 Focus ranked marginally behind the excellent new Astra and ahead of Golf. Ford clearly expects its new car to achieve top ranking, yet perhaps the exterior is not sufficiently different from the outgoing model to make it stand out.

'Opportunities'

A good range of bodystyles, available from the start, Ford can only go from strength to strength. It is clearly targeting Golf and, in this, is likely to succeed.

'Threats'

Nowadays, any new model must be considered a threat and Ford, as many of its competitors, is looking closely at Hyundai and Kia whose new models in the C/D sector are undoubtedly going to be a problem.