2005 Ford Focus Zetec Climate review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

This is only the third new (ish) car I've ever bought and it was purchased with 'real' saved money and not through a company or credit. I mention this only to illustrate that I was keen to buy a car which I can live with and was happy to hand over the (my) cash for.

Before choosing this Mk 2 Focus I also looked at many similar 5 door family hatch backs, eg the Mk 5 Golf, Astra, the new Honda Civic etc. However I settled on the Focus because of the looks, the quality 'feel' of the interior and the excellent and powerful diesel engine. I also wanted a car which has a discreet air, but one which exudes a certain heft and quality, a car which will do the job and not 'shout' about it.

The Golf is good, but very similar to the Ford, but £3k more expensive for the same spec car. The Astra was also good, but I didn't 'engage' with it. The Honda was too 'designed' and 'whacky' for me, more the type of vehicle for the student of trichology. Overly designed cars can look fine for a bit, but fashion changes and the car can look very old very soon. Anyway I'm buying a car not a handbag.

I will add more details as I get some more miles on the car.

Well done Ford. A brilliant successor to the Mk 1 Focus. The king is dead, long live the king!