Ford Focus 2024 review
Photo: Corvettec6r (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Ford Focus has been a staple of British roads for over two decades, and the 2024 model keeps the formula that made it a favourite: sharp handling, sensible running costs and a roomy cabin. The facelifted fourth-generation car pairs a 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild-hybrid petrol engine with 125PS, giving it enough pace for town and motorway while keeping fuel bills reasonable.
Inside, the Focus feels grown up. The dashboard is dominated by a 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and material quality is a step up from earlier models. Space in the back is generous for the class, and the 392-litre boot swallows a weekly shop or a couple of suitcases with ease.
On the road, the Focus still sets the benchmark for how a family hatch should drive. The steering is precise, the chassis stays composed over B-road bumps, and the mild-hybrid system smooths out stop-start traffic. Insurance groups are reasonable and servicing costs are modest, making it a smart pick for families and company-car drivers alike.
UK price from: £26,495
Specifications
| Engine | 1.0L EcoBoost mild-hybrid petrol |
| Power | 125 PS (92 kW) |
| 0-60 mph | 10.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 123 mph |
| Fuel economy | 48.7 mpg (combined WLTP) |
| CO2 | 124 g/km |
| Boot space | 392 litres |
| Length | 4,378 mm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control with lane centring
- Rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- LED headlights with automatic high beam
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £44.99 | OEM quality; fits 2019-2024 Focus Mk4, front axle |
| Oil filter | £9.49 | Spin-on type for 1.0 EcoBoost engines |
| Cabin pollen filter | £16.99 | Activated carbon; replace every 2 years |
| Timing belt kit | £139.99 | Belt, tensioner and pulleys; due at 10 years or 150,000 miles |
| Front shock absorber | £89.99 | Single unit; fits standard suspension models |
| Headlamp bulb (H7, pair) | £12.99 | For halogen headlamp models |
Pros
- Class-leading handling and steering feel for keen drivers
- Spacious cabin with a genuinely usable rear seat
- Mild-hybrid tech keeps fuel economy strong in town
- Competitive insurance groups and modest servicing costs
Cons
- Some rivals offer more standard kit for the money
- The 125PS engine can feel strained when fully loaded
- Boot space trails the very best in the class
- Resale values lag behind German rivals
