Ford Focus Titanium Navigator

We’re big fans of the basic Ford Fiesta thanks to its great looks, decent levels of equipment and excellent driving characteristics – which mean it is lots of fun to drive. In many ways, opting for the Ford Fiesta Zetec model simply refines all of these qualities. It looks smarter and more upmarket, thanks to its alloy wheels and splashes of chrome, rather than the plastic wheel trims and dark exterior plastics you’ll get on the basic model. The interior looks nicer, too – metal-finish grab handles for the doors replace the basic model’s plastic items, and the Zetec also gets attractive ambient lighting and a restyled central console. Ford Fiesta Zetec buyers can choose between cheap petrols or slightly more expensive – but very economical – diesels. The 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost manages to be both spritely, as well as frugal, and the engine’s perky nature matches the fun-driving experience of the Fiesta.

Good points

The Ford Focus Titanium Navigator has all the good points of any other Focus, which means it is great to drive, cheap to run and maintain (save for the high-performance Ford Focus ST), and also practical enough for family use. What the Titanium adds to this formula is a list of extras that make the car easier to live with every day. The car’s standard voice-activated sat-nav should mean finding anywhere is a doddle, while a long motorway drive will be more relaxing thanks to the car’s cruise control. And, once you arrive at your destination, the car’s parking sensors mean tight spaces should be easy to fit into.

Bad points

There’s not much we don’t like about the Ford Focus, but one complaint is the car’s boot, which is smaller than the one you’ll find in the Volkswagen Golf. And, while the Titanium Navigator’s alloy wheels and LED rear lights make it more eye-catching than other models in the Focus range, it still isn’t particularly attractive to look at. The Focus’ price, also means it costs the same as a basic (but more desirable) model from Audi or BMW.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• Front electric windows
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Park Assist
• Power-folding door mirrors

Our choice

The Ford Focus Navigator is best fitted with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, which means the well-equipped Ford also has a decent turn of speed.