2003 Ford Focus LX review from UK and Ireland

When I collected the car, it drove OK, but felt more sluggish than the estate version of the car I had before. Thirstier too, with fuel consumption in the high 30's instead of mid-high 40's. I also noticed the brakes lacked bite. No great surprise really when I checked the service book - it had done 35k since its last service. Oh and the oil level was half way between minimum and the bottom of the dipstick!

I have to say, this old Endura DI might be an outdated, clattery old tractor of an engine, but is is seriously tough. Despite a 12,500 mile service interval, the previous keeper of this car couldn't be bothered to book it in for a service meaning it did nearly 3x that. To add insult to injury, it had been driving around with about 3 litres of oil in the sump for whoever knows how long.

After a thorough service it drives superbly. The part throttle pick up has improved immeasurably, and fuel consumption has improved to the 45-48 mpg which this model is supposed to cover. The poor brake performance was traced to horrendously worn pads and discs which, now bedded in, slow the car in a confidence inspiring way without being overly sharp. I can't think of many diesel engines that would run relatively happily for 35,000 miles, many of those with low oil level, and still clatter on regardless.

As with my two previous Focii, the car itself is a pleasure to drive. The interior looks cheap like it does on all mk1 Focuses, but in its defence, it does feel very tightly screwed together, and does not emit a hint of a creak or rattle from anywhere over even the most brutal surfaces.

This hatch has more agile handling than my previous estate, which I expected. Does seem keener to oversteer though - have had a couple of "moments" already, particularly in the wet and not through lifting either. The rear will break away without provocation. It's not too bad to catch and recover thanks to the superb steering, although it has to be said that the soft throttle response of the diesel engine does not lend itself to "on the limit" motoring. A shame because this chassis really is a peach.

Tough, reliable, safe, affordable family motoring with a dose of fun to boot. Badge snobbery and short term residuals apart, don't waste your time looking at anything else in this class.