Ford Focus CL

2.0-litre, five-speed manual
Five-door hatchback and four-door sedan
Price: $20,990

Best features

• Performance
• Handling
• Comfort
• Fuel consumption

In a rare alignment of good fortune, Ford Australia has found itself with a superb new Focus at the same time that buyers are crying out for this type of versatile car. Even more fortuitously for Ford is the absence of Volkswagen’s Golf, which plundered this class in 2004 before it changed to reflect more expensive tastes.

This is a class full of serious contenders. However, none is as rounded as the new Focus, whose styling now refl ects its overall maturity.

The latest Focus, sourced from South Africa, is quicker, more refined and even better in ride and handling than its predecessor. Leading scores in performance, handling and comfort allow it to bustle in the burbs or tear through the twists. It also remains affordable, is unlikely to drop a heap of dollars at resale time and is frugal with fuel.

Other welcome changes include a sensible layout instead of the chaotic controls of its forebear, more interior space and a boost to build quality. The only blemishes are limited practicality, in part due to spare tyre and its equipment levels.

The base CL misses out on ABS brakes, side-front airbags, alloy wheels, cruise control and power mirrors. Those desirable features are available as options or come as standard on high-end models.

Mazda has been a victim of its own success. Its dealers have sold the costly Mazda3 so well that the average class list price has been left behind. However, despite a price penalty and a slug for running and repair costs, the volume-selling Mazda3 Maxx Sport scores strongly.

Both Focus and Mazda3 share the same underpinnings with unique finishes. In Maxx Sport’s case, the individual traits deliver better security, safety and ergonomics, but inferior fuel economy and thumpy suspension.

Holden’s Astra is the most consistent car in the class, but lacks a standout feature. The Holden holds its value, is cheap to operate and maintain, and provides better than average levels of safety and low engine emissions. However, it cedes ground in design and function with its fi rm seating and uptight ergonomics part of the problem.