'I have to admit to feeling a little bit emotional as I am writing about a new car that I probably will never again drive'

There are plenty of cars I’d happily wave goodbye to and it would not cost me a thought. But not the Focus.

As I sit all alone at my keyboard to begin this review on the latest Ford Focus, I have to admit to feeling a little bit emotional as I am writing about a new car that I probably will never again drive.

Like the Ford Fiesta which ceased production last July, the Ford Focus is expected to get the chop in 2025. It won’t be the only Ford that will receive an end-of-life date; others will include the Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max.

The Puma and Kuga will be joined by a raft of new electric Fords, including the new Explorer SUV, which was shown to Ireland’s motoring media in August, prior to its early 2024 introduction.

There are plenty of cars I’d happily wave goodbye to and it would not cost me a thought. But not the Focus.

I was at the launch of the original of the species in northern France back in 1998. Ever since, whether it’s a base version, an ST or Cosworth, the Focus always left its mark on me.

It set the standard for others to follow because of its handling abilities, the way it relayed road feedback through its steering wheel, its nice, precise gearbox and the fact that it was just great fun.

When I was handed the keys to the latest Focus, I could feel a sense of excitement. It was the total opposite of what I felt as I commenced writing this report. It was like meeting an old friend. When I switched on the ignition and saw the car was offering over 900 kilometers of driving distance, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It has been a rarity in recent months to collect a car that was neither electric nor drive one that was not an automatic.

Although I like auto transmissions because they make driving so easy, I knew the smooth, six-speed manual transmission in this Ford would bring its own excitement and allow me to exercise my left hand a lot more as I changed up and down.

While Titanium and Active versions have their own unique styling elements, the ST-Line X version I tested looked terrific in its Chrome Blue colour. Sitting on 18-inch alloys that allow for the sporty red brake calipers to be easily seen, the car features a new bonnet design, larger gloss black honeycomb grille with a re-located blue oval badge, an attractive LED headlight signature, strongly defined wheel arches and pronounced air intakes. It also features side skirts, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler.

Just like the Fiesta, the Focus offers what is, in my opinion, a beautiful driving position. Undoubtedly, it is this and the car’s excellent suspension system that translates to giving the driver confidence and enjoyment.

With its luxurious Ebony upholstery with red stitching, the latest Focus features more connectivity. Included is a Sync 4 infotainment system with sat-nav, 13.2-inch touch screen, DAB radio, emergency assistance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Premium audio with ten speakers.

You also get a raft of safety equipment, including blind spot assist. This is one very generously equipped car compared to some of the cars in its category out there at this time. My test model did have €1,105 worth of options, which included a driver assist pack, driver alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and auto high beam.

Under the bonnet of this Ford was the latest 48-volt mild hybrid 1.0 litre EcoBoost powertrain. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the power system produces 123bhp. With selectable drive modes, including Eco mode, the Focus returned on average 6.0 l/100km (46mpg).

The car’s hybrid powertrain replaces the standard alternator with a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG). This system enables energy normally lost during braking to be recovered and stored in a dedicated lithium-ion battery.

The BISG is also able to act as a motor, providing torque assistance to either increase acceleration, or reduce the amount of work required by the engine for improved fuel efficiency.

Priced at €36,347 plus €1,105 of options, well cared-for Ford Focus models will undoubtedly become a collector’s item in time and should retain high second-hand values.

While it is inevitable change is happening in terms of the move towards electric vehicles, those still in doubt about EVs could do worse than take a test drive in a car that’s found almost 23 million homes.