Home › Ford › Ford Focus 2019

Ford Focus 2019 review

Hatchback Petrol
Ford Focus 2019 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The Mk4 Ford Focus went on sale in the UK in 2018, and 2019 cars are the sweet spot of the range — before Ford trimmed the line-up and pushed prices up. Built on Ford's C2 platform with a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension on most versions, it was immediately judged the best-handling family hatchback on sale. UK prices opened at £17,930, with trims from Style and Zetec through ST-Line, Titanium, Active and range-topping Vignale.

The engine range was broad at launch: 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrols in 100PS and 125PS tunes, a 1.5 EcoBoost with 150 or 182PS, and 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBlue diesels. The volume seller was the 1.0 EcoBoost 125, good for 0-62mph in 10.0 seconds and a 124mph top speed, with Ford claiming up to 54.7mpg on the European highway cycle. A slick 6-speed manual was standard, with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic optional.

Inside, the Mk4 finally matched its chassis with a quality cabin: an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, a head-up display and — on ST-Line X and above — adaptive dampers. The 375-litre boot is competitive, rear legroom improved thanks to a 53mm wheelbase stretch, and Euro NCAP gave the car five stars in 2018.

As a used buy the 2019 Focus is a genuine hero: prices now start well under £10,000, the 1.0 EcoBoost is a proven engine (check cambelt service history — it is a wet belt running in oil), and no rival drives better. Watch for the usual used checks — the 8-speed auto's service history and, on diesels, DPF health — but for keen drivers there is still no better family hatchback for the money.

UK price from: £17,930

Related buying guides:
Best family cars UK
Best first cars UK

Specifications

Engine1.0L EcoBoost petrol
Power125 PS
Torque200 Nm
0-62 mph10.0 seconds
Top speed124 mph
Transmission6-speed manual / 8-speed auto
DriveFront-wheel drive
Fuel economy54.7 mpg (European highway, claimed)
CO2 emissions107 g/km (1.0 100PS)
Boot space375 litres
Kerb weight1,322 kg
Euro NCAP5 stars (2018)

Features

  • 1.0 EcoBoost petrol (100PS/125PS) with 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto
  • 1.5 EcoBoost (150/182PS) and EcoBlue diesels also available
  • SYNC 3 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping (Driver Assistance Pack)
  • Continuously controlled damping (ST-Line X and Vignale)
  • Head-up display and wireless charging (options and packs)
  • 375-litre boot with 60:40 split rear seats

Common parts & prices

PartPrice (GBP)Notes
Front brake pads (set)£36.99Pattern part; OEM specification
Oil filter£8.99
Cabin pollen filter£15.99
Front wiper blades (pair)£19.99
12V battery£69.99
Timing belt kit (wet belt, 1.0 EcoBoost)£119.99Includes tensioners; critical service item

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

  • The best-handling family hatchback — still the class benchmark
  • 1.0 EcoBoost is punchy, smooth and cheap to run
  • Five-star Euro NCAP with generous safety tech
  • Superb used value: big car for Fiesta money

Cons

  • 1.0 EcoBoost cambelt is a wet belt — servicing history matters
  • Interior plastics lag a Golf for perceived quality
  • The 8-speed auto is smooth but not the sharpest
  • Rear visibility is compromised by thick C-pillars

Frequently asked questions

Which 2019 Focus engine is the best buy?
The 1.0 EcoBoost 125 is the sweet spot for most buyers: strong enough, cheap to tax and insure, and the most common on the used market. The 1.5 EcoBoost 182 (ST-Line) is the driver's pick; diesels only suit high-mileage drivers.
Does the 1.0 EcoBoost have a cambelt or a chain?
A wet timing belt running in oil. Ford's interval is around 150,000 miles or 10 years, but it is critical that the correct oil has been used — check the service history carefully on any used example.
What mpg does a 2019 Focus 1.0 do?
Ford claimed up to 54.7mpg on the European cycle; expect low-to-mid 40s in real-world mixed driving, which is still competitive for the class.
Is the Mk4 Focus reliable?
Generally yes — it scores well in owner-satisfaction surveys, and the 1.0 EcoBoost's early issues were resolved years before this generation. As always, buy on condition and service history.
How much is a used 2019 Ford Focus?
As of 2026, tidy 2019 1.0 EcoBoost examples start from around £6,500-£8,000 at independent dealers, with low-mileage ST-Line cars from about £9,000.

Owner reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first!

Write your review

Related cars