Focus finale

FORD FAVE TAKES A BOW WITH GREAT ESTATE

- COLIN GOODWIN

Last month, Ford built its last Fiesta and with it went a car that has been a common sight on our streets for 47 years.

One of the most affordable and fun small cars, it’s a great loss. And next year, Ford is going to give the Focus the heave-ho, too.

It might not be as old as the Fiesta, but the Focus has also been a staple of British family motoring.

It was also the model that marked the point at which Ford really started building cars that were fun to drive.

In fact, the Focus raised the bar to the extent that other companies had to up their game.

Ford also built some superb hot versions of the Focus, from the original Mk1 ST, to the RS models and the current ST.

The Focus carried some interesting engines too, such as the 2.5-litre five-cylinder motor in the second generation car from 2004.