Overall rating:

Combining the sportiest chassis set up and the smallest engine sounds like a disaster, but thanks to the Ford Focus' nimble handling, excellent chassis feedback and an engine that is not only incredibly characterful and willing, but economical too, it's a tasty recipe.

Key Facts

Model tested: Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec S
Pricing: £19,195
Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Citroen C4, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf
CO₂ emissions: 114g/km
Combined economy: 56.5mpg
Top speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 11.3 seconds
Power: 125hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 170Nm at 1,400rpm (200Nm on overboost)

In the Metal:

The main difference between this Zetec S and the rest of the Focus range is its special body kit, which it is hit and miss to some eyes. Finished in eye-catching white our test car also wore the optional 18-inch alloy wheels (not available on the 100hp model), which completed the sporting look.

Inside, the stylish cabin receives its lift from the rest of the range in the form of red dashboard and seat trim, though this garish hue may not be to everyone's taste. But regardless of colour, the Focus' interior has plenty of room front and rear, and materials feel of good quality.

Driving it:

The Ford Focus has always been good to drive, and the latest generation is no different (even if it does offer a slightly more grown-up and refined experience). However, here we have the juxtaposition of the sportiest trim and the most economical and efficient petrol engine in the range.

It could have been a recipe for disaster, proving to be all show and no go, but while the headline figures (125hp, 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of only 120mph) don't exactly stimulate the senses, on the road it's a different matter. Sure, when you are trying to drive it fast, you will notice the engine's lack of get up and go, and the incredibly linear delivery (the torque curve is so flat it's unreal) does leave you wondering when the punch in the back is going to arrive, but the engine's character totally makes up for it. The three-cylinder unit has been intentionally unbalanced to remove any inherent vibration from such a set up, and though it proves very refined, the engine retains a characterful note.

And the crucial thing about this Focus EcoBoost Zetec S is the way that it flows - from gearchange to gearchange, corner to corner and slip road to slip road. Driven at eight tenths it's a joy to be behind the wheel of, the instant torque and response from the tiny turbo (described by a PR man as looking more like a cotton reel than a turbocharger) allowing it to react quickly to any input.

Matched with the well-weighted controls, feelsome steering and sharp body control there are few hatches - even some supposedly hot ones - that can match it for appeal. The lightweight engine plays its part, allowing for slightly softer springs (though Zetec S models are still firmer than regular examples) and even greater turn in on the limit - in fact, it's so good we'd suggest that until the ST comes along this might just be the most fun Focus to drive yet.

What you get for your Money:

It's nearly £20,000 this car, which, for a five-door family hatch, sounds expensive, especially when fitted with a tiny 1.0-litre petrol engine. But to think of it as so would be very short sighted - especially when you examine the long-term savings this car will bring. For a start there is no annual road tax to pay, and with average fuel economy of 56.5mpg trips to the pumps are going to be infrequent as well. It's all achieved by a raft of engine technology, which makes up a sizable chunk of this car's cost - whether you think it's worth the outlay is down to your priorities.

Worth Noting

This 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is a clever bit of kit, and is due to feature in the C-Max and new B-Max later this year. Not only does the block have a footprint similar to a piece of A4 paper, but it also features a host of innovative technology. The cylinder walls are especially thin to improve warm up times, the flywheel is intentionally offset to counter vibration issues found in three-cylinder units and friction is reduced by specially coated pistons and a cambelt-in-oil design - all resulting in greater efficiency for the owner.

Summary

On paper this car should be a disappointment - the smallest engine is teamed up with the firmest set up and a wild body kit - a sheep in wolf's clothing if you will. But, once behind the wheel you soon realise it's a dream combination, usefully capable in normal situations and actually incredibly good fun to drive as well. The increased efficiency and lower running costs are simply icing on the cake.