2003 Ford Focus Ghia review from UK and Ireland

Faults on intermittent setting on front wipers and tailgate latch, both fixed under warranty with no argument. Paint bubble next to tailgate handle, 60% paid by Ford as goodwill gesture.

It's a smart looking medium hatchback and, whilst I think it looks better than it's replacement, I do think that it will eventually date.

Mine is the Ghia trim - alloys, chrome trim, electric windows all round, CD player, air con, heated front screen, driver's armrest, black ash trim on doors & dash.

The seats are quite comfortable even over long journeys. The car handles well, but I wish ABS was standard on all cars. Petrol consumption was OK - about 300 miles on 3/4 of a tank - considering I do 50 miles a day to and from work on the motorway and a fair bit of urban driving.

Performance isn't bad, but it struggles on some steep hills, especially heading into the wind.

The car has some nice touches, such as the locking bonnet, illuminated foot wells, theatre lights, global window closing.

Negatives : lack of ABS as mentioned above; the dash display isn't as bright as I'd like at night, even with the adjustment turned to maximum.

I'm changing the car this month (March 2006) but only because it's become too small for my needs now and I need the better economy offered by a diesel engine.

Would I recommend one? Yes. Never mind what anyone may say about the badge or the minor negatives I've mentioned, this is a good, honest car that does what it says on the tin.