Ford Focus 2015 review – Is the tech-loaded new-look Focus a Golf beater? - Prices, specs and rivals

While the Focus’ new lines and cleaned up dash mean it’s more attractive than ever, it’s impossible to ignore the desirability of VW’s Golf and Audi’s A3. Where the Focus trumps the pair is on value for money, because a top-spec Titanium X 1.5 EcoBoost commands £23,820, where as the equivalent Golf would set you back several thousand more. 

Examples include the Golf GT TSI (the latest of which comes with 158bhp and can hit 62 in 8.4sec), which is priced at £27,405, and the similarly specced but less powerful 148bhp Audi A3 1.4-litre TFSI Sport starts from £23,645. 

More closely matched to the Focus is the Vauxhall Astra. Though the Vauxhall offers similar levels of value and day-to-day practicality – the 158bhp 1.6-litre CDTi diesel can manage a claimed 70.6mpg combined – it lags behind the Ford with a less punchy engine range. Placed alongside the Focus, we think it’s a little bland looking too.