Buying a used Ford Focus (2015-21)

Early in 2025 when the last Ford Focus is made, a dynasty will end. Ford since 1968 has been building small cars to satisfy a global market and sold them literally in the tens of millions.

Ford’s mainstay from 1968-2002 was the Escort, but from 1998 a new global design was being prepped for stardom. Early versions of the Focus sold half a million cars annually into Europe but within 10 years the significance of European sales had been overshadowed by Chinese and US production.

Australia adopted the Focus in 2002, replacing the Mazda-sourced Laser. The new car was immediately successful; by 2007 selling more than 17,000 cars annually for an 8 percent share of the small car market in Australia.

The LT Series that arrived during 2007 redefined the Focus’ conservative approach to its segment. While the range did include an XR5 turbo model, Ford was more interested in appealing to the fleet buyers who lapped up its keenly priced CL 2.0-litre.

LV and LV II versions held the fort until 2011 when the LW model and its 20 variant range – 21 if you include the $60,000 RS – arrived. Overseas models could be specified with 1.0-litre petrol or hybrid engines, 1.5 or 2.0-litre diesels, but locally the choices were 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol or 2.0 turbo-diesel.

Australia during 2015 saw the LZ range announced, with a seriously pruned selection of models. The change didn’t seem to bother buyers though, who boosted annual sales from 3800 in 2016 to almost 6000 for 2017.

The trend couldn’t continue though as declining demand for passenger cars generally and small Fords in particular saw the final SA Series Focus withdrawn from Australia in late 2021.

Stock control became a black art during the heyday of local Focus sales, with dozens of versions and very minor differences between many of them. That changed in 2015 when the LZ Series was announced; managing to increase sales with a range of four models and prices ranging from $23,000 to $39,000.

Every model in the LZ range was turbocharged, with a minimum 132kW from the 1.5 litre cars. Manual transmission was available in some versions but most sales went to cars with the new six-speed automatic transmission that replaced the troubled PowerShift dual-clutch unit.

Cheapest at $23,390 but definitely not awful was the six-speed manual Trend hatchback. These in LZ form were noticeably longer, an extended wheelbase and greater emphasis on occupant comfort.

Trend fittings included climate control air-con, power windows and mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a full-sized steel spare.

Spending $26,390 (or $28,190 for an automatic) accessed probably the best value product in the LZ range - the six-speed manual Sport.

These rode on 17-inch rims with 50 Profile rubber, featured a body kit with roof spoiler, uprated headlights with dusk sensors plus electrically folding mirrors. Other Sport features included dual-zone air conditioning, keyless entry with push button start, a leather rim steering wheel and digital sound system.

Those opting for plush surroundings would have found the Focus Titanium a good place to be. These were available as a sedan or hatch, with automatic transmission mandatory, at a fairly steep $32,690, but the list of equipment was massive.

The seats were leather trimmed, with power adjustments on the driver’s side. There was a sound system upgrade too, with nine speakers and Smart device interaction.

With a full complement of passenger protection devices; airbags, brake assist, stability and traction controls, all members of the Focus LZ range qualified for ANCAP five-star certification. However, the Titanium went further with a range of driver assistance and crash avoidance systems.

These included park distance warnings with a graphic display, blind spot sensors, a reverse camera, cross traffic and low speed autonomous braking.

The wheels were specially patterned 18-inch alloy with 40 Series tyres but only a temporary spare.

Topping the initial LZ range and $6000 more expensive than a Titanium was the 2.0-litre, 184kW ST Turbo. These at $38,990 came only as a six-speed manual and fed their power through just the front wheels. Anyone who remembers the 1980s and Mitsubishi’s Cordia GSR Turbo might understand how the combination of full power and a wet road would feel to a Focus ST driver.

Those drivers, with an additional $12,000 to outlay, might have preferred the relative docility of the Focus RS which joined the range late in 2016 at a cost of $50,990. The RS featured a specialised 2.3-litre turbo engine with 257kW and a massive 440Nm of torque; all delivered before the tachometer could top 6000rpm.

Late 2018 brought the 4th Generation Focus, designated SA, with some new model names and new country of origin. Instead of being Thai-built, Australia’s final Focus would come from Ford of Germany and include a station wagon as part of the mid-range ST-Line.

In a move intended to syphon sales from the softer end of the soft-roader market, Ford further extended the Focus range to include an Active version. These sat a tiny bit higher off the road than the rest of the range, defined by a more aggressive air dam design and roof rails.

It, in common with other SA models, these used an eight-speed automatic transmission hooked to an improved 1.5-litre engine that developed marginally more torque and power than earlier versions.

By 2021, Focus sales had fallen to 725 for the year and the final batch of cars would leave showrooms early in the following year.

If an eight-year-old Focus Trend, running on worn tyres and with automatic transmission can still feel enjoyable, imagine the fun you can have in an ST while still not spending a huge amount of money.

Not everyone, of course, wants to wriggle into a helmet and race boots and take their Focus on a Track Day adventure, but it is nice to know that affordable compacts like this can manage impressive lap times and still be fresh for the drive to work on Monday.

Base model Trends with manual transmission don’t go badly either. They weigh only 1320kg, against 1380kg for the Sport in auto form, and will be faster from rest while also using a bit less fuel.

The manufacturer’s claim for combined City/Highway consumption by a Sport automatic is 6.2L/100km, with a City figure of 8.7L/100km. However, some discovered during comparison testing against a Corolla ZR that the Focus would more realistically average 10L/100km where the lighter and less powerful Corolla delivered 8.5L/100km.

Inside the Focus looks roomy and it is. The broader LZ body delivers 63mm of extra space between the door pillars when compared with the Corolla plus a 48mm longer wheelbase.

Complaints from owners of earlier cars about hard, nasty cabin plastics were heard and prompted Ford to make some changes. Even the low-cost Trend delivers a softer look and touch to the dash, seat fittings and console.

The dash itself is busy and, in the SA, dominated by the super-sized display screen. Steering wheels in all versions look and feel nicely weighted, with a profusion of thumb controls.

Handling across the LZ range and no matter which rim/tyre combination you choose is competent and enjoyable. The steering with 2.5 turns lock to lock is direct but not too heavy at low speeds. Bigger rims with lower profile tyres offer greater grip and feel in dry conditions but will struggle on a loose surface or where a heavy downpour encourages aquaplaning.

Vision in every direction except directly behind is good, and there are versions of the Focus that will help with blind spot monitoring and reversing.

For those whose rear seat is usually occupied by dachshunds – or the human equivalent – then a Focus will be just fine. The sloped roofline affects space for tall occupants though and legroom is dependent on how willing the front seat occupants are to share available space.

Boot capacity is 312 litres in early cars, or 341 litres if you choose an SA version. Access to both luggage platforms is OK but the later car looks more capable of stowing a decent sized child pusher plus some soft luggage.

Used vehicle grading for Ford Focus (2015-21)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 16/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 13/20
Wow Factor: 14/20 (RS)
Score: 73/100

Also Consider:
Mazda 3
Volkswagen Golf
Hyundai i30

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