The Ford Focus has been a front-runner in the compact hatch class since it first arrived in 1998, and while the third-generation model has held its own, a wave of talented new rivals has given Ford the impetus to update the car with fresh looks and a revised interior.
To put this latest Focus through its paces, we’ve lined up an all-new contender in the shape of the Nissan Pulsar. It marks the maker’s first entry in the class since the Almera was dropped in favour of the Qashqaiin 2006, and it brings some of the crossover’s style and practicality to the sector.
Both newcomers face a strong challenge from our current class favourite – the SEAT Leon. The Spanish hatch has seen off all-comers since its launch, thanks to its winning blend of quality, kit, performance and running costs.
Has the Focus been given the edge it needs in order to reclaim its compact hatchback crown? Can the new Nissancause an upset on its debut? Or is the SEATstill top of the class?
Read individual reviews by clicking the links above, and scroll down for the verdict of this family hatch showdown!
Head-to-head
Running costs
Image 11 of 36
The SEAT Leon has a lower list price than its rivals, and the savings continue behind the wheel. We managed 41mpg on test, which was slightly ahead of the other cars here, although the Forddoes have a better claimed economy figure.
Fixed-price servicing of £480 over three years is better value than for either competitor, while business users face smaller tax bills in the SEAT, with higher-rate earners saving nearly £100 a year.
Rear space
Image 35 of 36
If you often carry rear passengers, the Pulsar holds a slight advantage as it has the biggest back doors. It offers the same space as the Leon, although the middle seat occupant has the benefit of extra foot room .
Access to the Focus is easy and its seats are comfortable, but legroom trails the other models’.
What about the VW Golf?
Image 24 of 36
The Focus is similarly priced to the VW Golf, with our £18,795 Zetec only £155 more than a Golf 1.2 TSI S – although the Ford has more kit. Spend another £200, and the Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T n-tec adds everything from LED lights to sat-nav; it just lacks the VW’s premium feel and grown-up driving experience.
Verdict
1st place: SEAT Leon
Image 25 of 36
The Leon has seen off two more challengers to retain its crown as king of the compact hatchbacks. While the Focus comes close to its combination of style, quality, everyday performance and usability, the SEAT has the upper hand thanks to its great-value price , especially when you add the free Tech Pack upgrade. Our only minor niggle is the slightly firm ride, but it’s no deal-breaker.
2nd place: Ford Focus
Image 2 of 36
The updates to the Focus are a change for the better, because it looks a lot smarter on the outside and is more user-friendly inside. Build quality is as good as ever, while the driving experience delivers a great balance between comfort and handling, too. The running costs are low, but the Focus has to settle for second place in this test due to its higher list price.
3rd place: Nissan Pulsar
Image 14 of 36
The Pulsar has its good points, but it lacks that last degree of cabin quality and driving sparkle that would make it a real contender here. It’s well built and rear passenger space is good, but the hard plastics are a letdown and the awkward driving position takes some getting used to. It’s a disappointing performer on the road, too, while running costs could be better.
Ford Focus vs rivals: key specs SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI (110) SE Ford Focus 1.0T (125) Zetec Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T (115) Acenta On the road price/total as tested £17,235/£18,330 £18,795/£18,795 £17,645/£17,645 Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) £7,859/45.6% TBC £6,352/36.0% Depreciation £9,376 TBC £11,293 Annual tax liability std/higher rate £515/£1,031 £525/£1,049 £563/£1,126 Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) £1,662/£2,770 £1,682/£2,804 £1,674/£2,790 Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost 13/£304/C/£30 14/£314/B/£20 10/£430/C/£30 Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service £480 (3yrs/30k) £350 (2yrs/25k) £149/£219/£149 Length/wheelbase 4,263/2,636mm 4,358/2,648mm 4,385/2,700mm Height/width 1,459/1,816mm 1,484/1,823mm 1,520/1,768mm Engine 4cyl in-line/1,197cc 3cyl in-line/998cc 4cyl in-line/1,197cc Peak power/revs 108/4,600 bhp/rpm 123/6,000 bhp/rpm 113/4,500 bhp/rpm Peak torque/revs 175/1,400 Nm/rpm 170/1,400 Nm/rpm 190/2,000 Nm/rpm Transmission 6-spd man/fwd 6-spd man/fwd 6-spd man/fwd Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel 50 litres/repair kit 53 litres/repair kit 46 litres/repair kit Boot capacity 380/1,210 litres 363/1,148 litres 385/1,395 litres Kerbweight/payload/towing weight 1,198/502/1,300kg 1,306/594/1,200kg 1,258/492/1,200kg Turning circle 10.1 metres 11.0 metres 10.2 metres Basic warranty (miles)/recovery 3yrs (60,000)/1yr 3yrs (60,000)/1yr 3yrs (60,000)/3yrs Service intervals/UK dealers Variable/128 12,500 (1yr)/781 12,500 (1yr)/225 Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. 25th/32nd 25th/27th 22nd/25th NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 94/92/70/71/5 N/A N/A 0-60/30-70mph 10.1/9.7 secs 10.7/10.6 secs 10.3/10.1 secs 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 4.9/6.3 secs 5.6/7.5 secs 4.8/6.9 secs 50-70mph in 5th/6th 9.9/13.1 secs 10.3/11.5 secs 10.2/14.1 secs Top speed/rpm at 70mph 121mph/2,400rpm 121mph/2,400rpm 118mph/2,250rpm Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 53.7/39.0/11.0m (wet) 52.2/38.6/9.5m (damp) 55.8/41.2/10.3m (wet) Noise outside/idle/30/70mph 63/41/59/64dB 65/42/59/69dB 63/42/61/65dB Auto Express econ. (mpg/mpl)/range 41.0/9.0/451 miles 40.5/8.9/472 miles 40.7/9.0/412 miles Govt urban/extra-urban/combined 46.3/67.3/57.6mpg 49.6/68.9/60.1mpg 44.8/65.7/56.5mpg Govt urban/extra-urban/combined 10.2/14.8/12.7mpl 10.9/15.2/13.2mpl 9.9/14.5/12.4mpl Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket 159/114g/km/15% 161/108g/km/14% 160/117g/km/16% Airbags/Isofix/parking sensors/camera Seven/yes/£270/no Six/yes/£225/£165 Six/yes/no/no Automatic box/stability/cruise control £1,250/yes/yes No/yes/£250 £1,350/yes/yes Climate control/leather/heated seats £355/£1,520/£355* No/no/no Yes/no/no Metallic paint/LED lights/keyless go £530/£1,000/no £525/no/no £550/no/yes Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth £1,525/yes/£405*/yes £500/yes/yes/yes No/yes/no/yes