Ford Focus 1.0 Titanium X 2018 UK first drive

Our first chance to see how the fourth-generation Ford Focus copes with the challenge of UK roads after previously driving it on the international launch.

We've been given a thoroughly representative example, powered by the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost engine in the 123bhp tune Ford predicts will make up the majority of UK sales. Being one of the lower-powered versions, it also uses a rear torsion beam axle in place of the more advanced multi-link system that has now been reserved for the brawnier members of the range.

The question of how well the car deals with low-rent British Tarmac is key to whether it will be able to maintain the dynamic superiority that marked its predecessors out from the chasing pack.

Titanium X trim brings plenty of standard equipment and a £22,820 price tag, but Ford had also given our test car a comprehensive options workout, with LED headlights (£750), a head-up display (£400), Assistance Pack including radar cruise (£500), the Convenience Pack that brings auto park and those natty pop-out door protectors (£500) and a B&O Play speaker upgrade (£350) — plus a few other bits — taking the total to an altitudinous £26,495.

Fears about the torsion beam back end lacking dynamism are soon dispelled. In this mid-spec version, the new hardware is a non-issue; over a 570-mile drive that included some of the most demanding roads in Scotland, England and Wales, the new Ford Focus proved to be both refined and agile, handling corners with vim and verve and rough surfaces with assurance. Springs and dampers feel soft in slower turns, but the relationship between them is always collaborative.

The electric power steering is short on feel, but yields immediate and precise responses from the front end, with the rear axle helping out under higher loadings. This Focus can carry speed along a flowing road as well as any of its antecedents.

Refinement is generally good, although our test car had some wind whistle from the top of the driver's door at motorway speeds; the lack of any from the passenger side suggests an ill-fitting seal. The suspension copes well with higher speeds, but even on smooth surfaces there's a very slight busyness to it, a not-quite settling down that is reported by the backside and lower back. Like a dripping tap, it's hard to ignore once noticed, although the independent rear axle might not suffer from it.

The Ecoboost engine remains a characterful powerplant, pulling with a determination that belies its lack of size once on boost and with a pleasing offbeat soundtrack that's evident when worked hard. But it's a slugger rather than a puncher, with the turbo taking time to spool if lots of acceleration is requested at short notice — for instance, to take advantage of an overtaking opportunity.