HATCH MATCH

WANT A HATCH THAT'LL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR DIAL SECOND TIME ROUND? TRY THESE...

- TONY O'KANE

Ford Focus

DON'T MISS OUT ON A BONA FIDE GREAT

POUR ONE OUT for the last-generation Ford Focus, for despite its excellence, it lived an unfairly short life in Australia. After just three years in Aussie showrooms - the final year of which saw the Focus only offered in hot-hatch ST guise - the plug was pulled on Ford's small hatch for good after the arrival of the new SA generation failed to reignite sales.

Our loss, because the final Focus we saw was easily the best. Ford's Euro-developed product always had more dynamic flair than segment rivals, and the SA Focus was no exception. A sharp chassis, precise steering, and well-judged spring and damper settings made it a delight to drive, while Ford's likable 1.5-litre turbo triple and new eight-speed auto provided exceptional driveability. Low-mileage examples are a notable bargain too.