1999 Ford Focus

Ford Focus (1998 - 2007)

Ford's replacement for the ageing Ford Escort was unveiled in 1998 and reached the UK market in October of that year. Ford's intention was to provide a cheap but practical car based on a flexible platform that could adapt to various body styles, including 3/5-door hatchback, estate and saloon. It achieved this and more: the practical, modern car became a firm favourite with family buyers and fleet managers.

The Focus range came with a variety of multi-point fuel injected petrol and direct-injection turbo diesel engines. Entry level was the 1.4i 16v CL in a 5-door hatchback, providing 74bhp to the front wheels. Standard equipment was good for a car of its type and era: front disc brakes, PAS as standard, electric front windows and tinted glass. Safety equipment included seat belt pre-tensioners and driver and passenger airbags and gained the Focus a four-star Euro NCAP rating.

A variety of larger petrol 4-cylinder 16v DOHC engines were also offered: 1.6i (1596cc) and 1.8i (1796cc) in Zetec, LX and Ghia spec, and also a 2.0i (1989cc), 128bhp engine that was limited to Ghia trim. The latter included traction control, electrically-adjustable driver's seat, remote central locking, air conditioning, leather gear knob and steering wheel, plus a 'Quickclear' heated windscreen as standard. The 1753cc turbo diesel engine was offered in those three trim levels plus base CL spec.

Today, the Ford Focus remains in the realm of used car, but is a firm contender for a future Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional. Speak to any GenXer and they'll surely have a close recollection of a Focus, owned by family or friend, and have fond memories of this automotive workhorse taking their dad to the office or dropping them off at school.