12: Ford Focus – Hugely impressive but lacking its usual sharpness

It’s a little hard to know what to do with the new Focus. Taken from a purely objective perspective, it’s hugely impressive. Build quality has definitely taken a step up towards VW Golf levels (even if it’s not quite there yet) and for the first time since 2012, here’s a Focus with a properly roomy cabin (even if it continues to lack the vast boot of the MkII Focus).

Plus, the infotainment system (so important these days) is impressive and the 1.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines are very good. And Ford had a rush of blood to the head and chopped the prices to a more palatable level just after the car was launched. So what’s the problem? The fun - by which we mean the steering sharpness - has gone. Go for the estate model; it has more sophisticated rear suspension and is sharper to drive.

Best model: 1.5 TDCI Wagon ST-Line for €26,769

Price range: €22,495 to €33,736. Finance from €POA per month.