Why the Ford Focus Mk3 was a Game Changing Car

The third generation Ford Focus was a radically different design when compared with its peers. But how is it now, over a decade later from its original design?
Car on review: 2012 Ford Focus Titanium 1.6 TDCi Diesel Duratorq (2010 - 2018)
#fordfocus #ford
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[@garry_potta]

If you enjoy driving for fun then these cars are a very good buy. Precise steering. Great feedback through the wheel, excellent brakes, nice driving position and gearshift

[@charleshenniker6958]

Always a pleasure letting JJ borrow my vehicles (and if you're reading this so should you) Building a microcamper next, looking forward to backseat JJ's review!

[@JJonCars]

Cheers dude!

[@Kaastosti8513]

I have a ford focus MK3 from 2011 and its an really nice car! Stone grey color nice black wheels on it!🙂

[@graemeadams5558]

I just bought a manual 2014 1.6 Ti VCT. I'm loving it! It could have more power, but it's ability to stay at speed up hill without changing gears is impressive.

[@colin13579]

The eco boosts petrol’s (or ecoboom) are best avoided due to the wet timing belts failing way too early and oil pumps getting clogged up with fragments of the belt, which then starves the engine of oil. All the diesels are pretty reliable if well maintained so recommend going for those over the petrol. I have the later 1.5tdci and it’s been brilliant.

[@lazymaverick5118]

I am looking at buying a 1.6 ecoboost 2011 - would you say to avoid it?? im due to go and see it tomorrow - owner says its recently had the timing belt replaced, its got about 97,000miles. Checked the MOT history, apart from a CV boot coming loose 2 years ago (which i hope is now fixed) and a worm damper about 9 years ago (which i also hope is been fixed) - the rest of the history looks pretty standard, tires, brakes all that stuff. Let me know if I am about to make a huge mistake??

[@colin13579]

@@lazymaverick5118 I don’t think a 2011 Focus has the ecoboost engine, I believe the 1.6 of that vintage would be Zetec and running on a dry belt so should be ok.

[@shax232]

@@colin13579you can purchase the 1.6 ecoboost on a 2011 focus titanium x actually, that’s what I’m looking at the moment

[@RealMilkMan255]

@@lazymaverick5118 2011 do have ecoboost engines, we bought one and we had to replace the entire engine.

[@davidsivills3599]

@@colin13579 I own a focus 2012 Ecoboost that's got a wet belt, i think that was the first year ford used the wet belt system.A massive mistake.

[@webchris2]

Still drive my 2014 ST every day, and loving it! Bought the Focus Mk3 ST new and only issue was with the steering wheel at dead center felt it did not want to stay at center. Ford replaced the steering rack before 1000km and no problem since. Just keep on producing smiles. Oh its should clock over to 200 000km this week! Thanks for the review JJ!

[@JJonCars]

Nice one. I'd love to review the ST!

[@arslan479]

I love my focus, this review is really accurate. Don’t touch ecoboost though. It does have annoying faults like issues with door seals & letting water in. My car is 1.6 ti vct titanium and I have to say the driving feel is fantastic. It does what a ford should make you smile whilst driving it. I hope they bring it back.

[@AdamLeask]

The Mk3 Focus is worthless here in New Zealand, I feel sorry for anyone that brought one (new or used). As we only received the terrible powershift dual clutch here, it ruined the reputation of what once was the best family hatchback you could buy.

[@JJonCars]

Oh man, Powershift only. That is unfortunate :(

[@Averagedude-mi3fl]

I am in the States and have one, the sedan not the hatchback. But I’ve got close to 187,000 miles on it. Once you realize you essentially have to drive the car similar to how you’d drive a manual that really helps it imo.

[@tobiasklima]

Same here in AU

[@colmfoley5583]

​@@JJonCarsHave you reviewed a MK5 Mondeo? Or a MK4 Focus?

[@JJonCars]

@@colmfoley5583 not yet, though there is potentially a MK4 Focus in the pipeline...

[@RiskyR]

Nice video, I agree on your positive view of this model. I recently bought a 2012 Titanium with the 1.6 ecoboost (182PS) engine. Makes the car really come alive. Absolutely love it!

[@JJonCars]

Thank you. You've got the best model I think :)

[@shax232]

Is the 1.6 ecoboost reliable? I know the 1.0 ecoboost isn’t reliable and I’m looking to purchase a titanium x 1.6 ecoboost

[@youlol7331]

@@shax232 1.0 Ecoboost is very reliable.

[@ps36081]

@@shax232 good question as I was looking at these!!

[@Hack24503]

I have the foucs mk3 estate for 6 years and still going strong 😊

[@adrianmoore3118]

I've got a 2013 ZS and it's brill to drive and it's quick also looks lovely.

[@sonnywilson5452]

Ive got a 2.0TDCI titanium X 2015 model and love it. Done 50k in 1.5 years and hasnt caused a single problem. My spec has xenons, heated screen, adaptive cruise control, heated wheel and seats, keyless entry etc. great car and plenty of power at 200bhp 👍

[@JJonCars]

Pretty much the perfect version of the MK3 you have there 👍

[@foxxyblieu9]

These cars where quite ahead of their time, not only in looks and styling but with technology also. They’re rarely seen with many options in the UK, but you could option things like adaptive cruise control, lanes assist, traffic sign recognition and as ford call it “active city stop” which was unheard of in a car of this segment in 2011, especially on a car with a starting price of as low as 16k.

[@HA05GER]

Most are zetec spec. We've just bought a titanium x navigator so thats pretty well speced just wish it had self park just because it's fun to watch.

[@foxxyblieu9]

@@HA05GER we have a titanium X and as far as I’m aware they where all specified with active park assist as standard, you sure it’s not a titanium? 😅

[@HA05GER]

@@foxxyblieu9 no it's a titanium x navigator it has the upgraded light which only titanium gets and the different interior and the privacy windows the upgraded wheels cruise the lot and is on the log book as titanium x navigator as well as on ford etis.

[@foxxyblieu9]

@@HA05GER interesting, I thought all came with active park assist, everyone I’ve seen has. Ours has APA, hids, CC, privacy windows but wasn’t optioned with NAV. I did do some quality of life stuff to, as it is a 2013 and getting on now. So I retrofitted sync 2 from the newer cars which is quite nice. Kuga clusters for digital speedo and also fitted reversing camera, active city stop and waiting to retrofit AHB, lane assist traffic sign recognition (thanks DHL) Doing things like that makes the car seem much more new than it actually is and really gives it a new lease of life.

[@HA05GER]

@@foxxyblieu9 see I've only ever seen one MK3 prefacelift with park assist. I personally am not bothered by sync 2 mates have had it and it's super glitchy. We've got the Sony system and it's good enough for what we need. Ours doesn't have hids standard halogen in the front but the upgraded rear lights but it is a categorised car so may have had them. Our also has the 5 spoke 18s which don't usually see most have the multispoke bbs style things. Also has hill start assist and dual zone climate and power fold mirrors which I think is standard titanium and up. I only paid 2k for the car and for the Mrs it's more than enough tech for her. Only thing I'd do is put a sub in lol as I love a bit of bass but I've got my car for that. I would however like a reverse cam but I'm not sure It can be added to the stereo we have. What engine is in yours ?

[@fabioraposo9282]

I own a 2015 focus sw titanium with the 1.5 tdci 120hp i can managed 4,5l/100km and it's really a joy to drive even as a station wagon. Nice reviews JJ 🙌🏻

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Fabio 👍

[@colmfoley5583]

I currently run a MK3.5 Titanium spec model... the 120ps diesel...Overall, it has been a very good car.. it currently has 107k miles done and apparent from routine maintenence, a new starter motor is the only exceptional item it has needed...regularly gets 57mpg.... and in deep impact blue, it looks great

[@hayleyedwards3676]

I recently bought a 62 plate Titanium X (coming from a 20 plate 1.0 Ford Ecosport Titanium) and couldn’t be happier. Bullet proof 1.6 diesel engine, miles better fuel economy and doesn’t feel like a downgrade at all. The Focus has more tech and features than my old car, which was 8 years newer. The best part it only cost £4k exactly. It’s in “ink blue”, 91K on the clock, flawless MOT history, full service history and has had water pump and cam belt done. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Amazing cars!

[@JJonCars]

Awesome. The Focus is a 'proper car', unlike the Ecosport 😄 Better to drive, more reliable (as a diesel) and better looking. Great choice 👍

[@Rjhs001]

Nowt much to say JJ. Always liked them, never had one but, as usual, thoroughly enjoyed your review. Cheers.

[@JJonCars]

Cheers John, appreciate the comment regardless 👍

[@liamsunderland3836]

My mk3 has both rack and reach on the steering wheel. I've had mine now for 2.5yrs. It's still going strong. And cornering is really fun

[@JJonCars]

Update - removed the bit from the video where I said it doesn't come out telescopically as you're right - it does!

[@sameyers2670]

I've got a 2015 Focus 1.5tdci Titanium and think it's great, good to drive and economical. The infotainment screen on the face-lift is bigger as Sync 2 had come in by then.

[@dhruvrajendra1265]

Just 2 months ago I bought my first car that’s Ford Focus Zetec Navigator 2014 it’s1.0L turbo ecoboost 99bhp 5 speed manual transmission ….. really amazing car fun to drive…

[@BomberFletch31]

I was really impressed with the styling when they first came out. I thought about getting one, but didn't - partly because I like bigger cars (at the time, I had a Falcon), and partly because I didn't like the placement of the air vents on the dash. I live in Australia, which can get very, very hot, and I ordinarily like to have cold air from the air conditioner blasting directly at my face. Unfortunately, the placement of the air vents on the dash meant that it froze my left hand before I could get to a comfortable temperature in the cabin. I now drive a Mk5 Mondeo, and I like that the face level vents in the cabin are mounted high - above the screen, where they should be.

[@Sha-Ayo]

I remember the second gen Lexus IS had the centre air vents placed quite high up - my dad had one and it was great especially with the cooled seat option

[@randalcalvert270]

Great overview! Over the past 8 years or so I've had a Civic, Cruze, and Focus (I drive for my job). My 2017 Focus somehow feels as next gen even thought it is a last-gen model 😮

[@JJonCars]

They were ahead of their time I think! That's why they still feel modern :)

[@randalcalvert270]

@@JJonCars I think so, too!! This is a basic response on my end but I feel like on my 2.0 Powershift model if they could have found a way to retrofit a torque converter auto or wet clutch dct the car would go down as a champion and not a problem child (here in the US). Lol

[@rbernardo4748]

2015 1.5 tdci zetec S estate here, and as much as I want a volvo xc70 P2, I can't find any reason to dislike the Focus and try and sell it on. it looks good, the style bodykit makes it stand out - there are none around a 30 mile radius where I live that I've seen on the road - fantastic fuel consumption - 60mpg on a 3hour mixed road drive with a fully loaded boot (Seats down), and the turbo doesn't let you down, fast, nippy, and the lowered suspension makes it feel like it's on rails. getting it dechromed next week.

[@paulmollon9282]

Great review! Ive had my 61 plate diesel zetec for 7 years now and its been great 136k on the clock and going strong no issues apart from wear and tear items One thing tho was the boot getting wet and i had to pull the drain plugs out 😂

[@JJonCars]

Cheers! Diesel was the right choice I think for this car 👌

[@gladiatorscoops4907]

Got my Titanium 1.6 diesel all in black, looked fantastic when I first had it, but its getting on a bit now, its got a lot of bumps and scrapes now and it needs some tlc, but its been a fantastic car. It handles like a dream, and still so much fun to drive. Drove my mates 2013 Golf a few years ago and it was horrible compared to my Focus.

[@Finglesham]

I bought a 2017 Titanium estate in April this year with a mileage of 44500. It had been off the road in lockdown but has full service history. later models have better kit but this has full leather and teh seats are too hard fir me. Nice to have the rear camera. Engine is teh 2L diesel 150 TDCI which is nippy but mpg abut 55. Do not use the car for very short trips of course and never had the DPF regenerate.

[@gzk6nk]

You talk about the diesel, and the puny 1.0 petrol. We had a Mk2 Focus with a 4 cylinder 1600cc normally aspirated petrol engine which served us well for many years (not a fan of turbos - jet engine technology at car prices, which will always have reliability question marks). When it was time to change, we looked at the current Focus - a silly 3-cylinder small capacity turbocharged petrol (don't want dirty diesel - don't do the miles to justify the diesel downsides). So we bought a Mazda CX30 4 cylinder normally aspirated 2.0 petrol. It's lovely. Ford have lost the plot.

[@HA05GER]

The ecoboosts isn't as bad as it's made out to be

[@JJonCars]

Simpler engines are nearly always more reliable :) I think Mazda is pretty much your only hope for large NA engines now

[@gzk6nk]

@@JJonCars Simple and large capacity is best for reliability. A little engine pushed to its limits by a turbo is asking for trouble.

[@kerryhughesgillard9906]

Passed my test in a focus titanium with the AA and I've also owned a few fiestas of the same era fantastic to drive nice design, I have a vauxhall astra k at the moment and I would say the quality feels a bit better than the equivalent focus but the ford definitely has the edge on sharp handling.

[@JJonCars]

Spot on - the Astra K definitely has a more sophisticated interior, as a more recent design, but the Focus has the edge in handling

[@HA05GER]

See I don't rate Vauxhall's interiors. My mother in law has 2018 zafire top spec and it just lacks anything and absolutely no extras. My 2006 smax titanium has more options and I prefer the ford interior especially comparing it to our focus. I find the vauxhall seats very flat and uncomfortable for the money the car cost it feels very disappointing. Each to their own but for me even my previous zetec spec focus felt far better

[@GewoonD346]

Just bought the same one ('12, moondust silver, the station/wagon though) coming from a MK2 i didn't think it would be such a step forward. Lovely cars, pretty quick/nimble eventhough it's ''just a 1.6''. Like the video JJ :)

[@JJonCars]

Brilliant, glad you like the car and the vid :)

[@TheHiFiTeam]

I've always thought of the focus as a great family car. The 1.6 diesel is good all round engine although I'd be tempted to go for the 2.0L just for the extra ummph. Great review as always JJ.

[@HA05GER]

I don't think it's necessary I had an indicated 130 from the 1.6 it's pretty decent TBF.

[@JJonCars]

Seems like the manual gearbox diesels are the safest bet :) cheers!

[@Bettys_Eldest]

The Mark 1 Focus was the real game changer, so different. It was a disappointment when the Mark 2 looked much like every other car. Sill in 2012 I bought a 59 plate TDCI estate, which I ran until last autumn with 220k miles on the clock. I have replaced it with a Mark 3 67 plate 1.5 TDCI, I might have gone for the Mark 4, but my wife has struggled with electronic handbrakes on hire cars, so took one of the last Mark 3s. I have not missed the extra space of the estate, the car feels nippier and fun to drive. Over the 8k miles I have put on it the trip computer tells me that I've averaged 66 mpg, and on a long (180 m) motorway 60 mph roadworks journey it returned just under 80 mpg. ULEZ compliance meant I had no problem attending a funeral in central London last month, and a trip to Paris later this year will not be an issue. Had the Mark 2 lasted a couple of years longer I would have gone for an EV, but I think that we will be running this one for quite a while.

[@nivens.1604]

I remember when this focus launched, I was 8. I was immediately taken with it. Great car, almost everyone I was at school with had one of these at some point. The only slightly disappointing thing is the lack of interior colours (I like white/cream interiors)

[@JJonCars]

Oh yes, good point about interior colours. I like a light coloured interior too :)

[@jonathanbignall1198]

I owned a 2014 pre facelift 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium, had it six years. It wasn't especially quick but it kept up with traffic adequately. Ride, handling etc were decent. Overall I was happy with it. Beware though, water leaks in the boot are common on the MK3, I had that problem. The other issue is the wet timing belt on the Ecoboost engine can crumble and clog up the oil strainer, resulting in engine failure. I was quoted £1400 to replace the timing belt. Given that on most cars the job costs about £400, I suspect most owners won't bother, shame.

[@davidsivills3599]

If you are thinking of buying a mk3 focus with a ecoboost engine 1.0 don't unless the wet belt has been changed.

[@novicetheaf]

Great car, never knew about some of the features to be honest it's quite surprising

[@martinaddison5991]

We bought our daughter a 15 reg 1L ecoboost with 30000 miles that had sat idle for 2 years. We got it cheap so lashed out on a belt and pump etc replacement at a non franchise Ford garage using the latest parts and recommended oils. All well and good as a carer she needs a reliable and economical car. But I have to badger her to get it serviced on time which the garage thinks is one of the main reasons for failure. As they are on the lookout when ever a ecoboost comes into the garage to give owners a early warning on it's issues. The 1.0L ecoboost focus engine really is an impressive engine considering it's size as we have found out on a motorway journey carrying 4 adults at motorway speeds easily and with a quiet relaxed feeling from the engine while averaging well over 40mpg. 50 plus with more sedate driving. It is a shame that Ford who usually do great engines fxxxxd up with the ecoboost. Would I own one? Yes I would consider one as I'm retired I don't do the miles and have a great local garage. And I might have to as my preferred diesel cars are now the fuel of the devil. But Ford are not alone peugeots 1.2 L powers a lot of cars and has the same wet belt issues.

[@jak13r]

We have 2 TX love them

[@adamr84]

My old man had one. Damn shame they're discontinuing the Focus 😢 Very handsome car. Lovely to drive. Found the dashboard controls a bit fiddly, but as soon as I managed to link my phone up then no worries. Rated the zetec engines as well, much better than the ecoboost minefield that followed. Nice video JJ 👍

[@HA05GER]

The zetecs lived on in the MK3 as the duratec. There are 1.6 duratecs out there.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks! I agree, such is the world we live in where nobody apparently wants a good old hatchback

[@mikekeenam3014]

I've had this same car for 3 years always had a clunk noise when changing gears 2and and 3rd mainly sometimes 4th gear. Recently had new clutch and flywheel and still does it. Anyone else get this

[@ssmfernando]

The ignorent comments about wet belt failure is wrong. As long as use correct oil the belt never break. Igonorents always do bar talk while holding beers about other things.

[@Sha-Ayo]

The problem with Ford is the Powershift transmission. I passed my driving test in 2022 in a Ford Puma powershift auto and it was good but a little bit jerky when driven quickly. I was in the market to buy a ford because i really enjoyed driving the Puma but the powershift transmission just isnt reliable and people don't maintain them so thats what scared me away from buying a ford focus. I ended up buying a Honda Jazz CVT which i found out has a bad transmission 😢😭😭 and will need the entire gearbox replaced because no one wants to repair a cvt. I'm in the market to sell the Jazz and buy something else ..... I feel i have had bad luck 😞 with cars

[@HA05GER]

All modern boxes are pretty crap in general. It's such a small market I don't think manufacturers are too bothered about making them decent.

[@Sha-Ayo]

@@HA05GER unfortunately i only have a driving licence that allows me to drive automatic cars not manual cars

[@JJonCars]

I'm sorry for your bad luck :( modern automatics, be them automated manual or CVT are more prone to issues in general, and Ford Powershift certainly has its reputation. Shame that the old torque converters aren't that economical as they can be lovely things. Better luck with your next purchase 🤞🤞🤞

[@MartinJones123]

@@HA05GER It depends where you're in the world... Much of the World prefers manual cars, but markets such as Australia and North America have predominantly automatic cars...

[@HA05GER]

@@MartinJones123 the video is in the UK so I just assumed the op is in the UK aswell and judging that they learnt in a ford puma it's going to be somewhere in Europe as I'm pretty sure the puma is only in Europe.

[@tanknoob1278]

You should try doing a review on the Mk2 Hyundai i30 (2011-2017)

[@JJonCars]

If someone offers me one I will for sure :)

[@austinmatthews347]

My 2013 titanium x estate has steering adjust up and down and in and out

[@austinmatthews347]

I agree with you regarding the grill being better on the pre facelift. Also i find the facelift is more bland inside also the hatch rear lights on the facelift leave too much metal below them. Basically usually original designs trump facelifts as facelifts are an after thought imo. Also mate the 18 inch wheels werent standard on titanium or titanium x they were an extra. And the stock titanium came with i think 16s and x came with 17s

[@JJonCars]

I've often thought that too, about the original design usually being the better, as that was the full cohesive design the manufacturer decided on. Then they have to later mess with it to give it a new look

[@austinmatthews347]

@@JJonCars agree totally i must say i remember seeing the mk3 for the first time on the m621 out of leeds i remeber thinking the rear lights on the hatch had a look of the fiesta 2008 on but i thought its not worked quite as nicely as the fiesta and the front seemed to have too many grills however over time i have grown to like the front but the estate stole my heart i got mine 2 years ago its red titanium x 20tdci 163bhp 60k on clock what a weapon

[@HA05GER]

I had a mk3 diesel and my mates all had faster cars be it vxrs or bmws and my focus would hold its own when we went on late night drives. It just handled, in the corners it was just easy to keep up. I did over 100k in it over 4 years. Weve just bought anothet one for my mrs but an ecoboost made me realise how well the mk3 really does drive.

[@JJonCars]

In a country like the UK with small twisty roads, handling makes all the difference, so no wonder you could keep up :) feels safer too knowing that the car will do as you ask when you get into a corner.

[@HA05GER]

@@JJonCars yup very impressive the suspension setup is really good for a dad wagon and I think that's why it sold so well as it can still be fun

[@oliverstemp9132]

I liked the drive in these. But prefer the facelift. The triangle grills and square headlights looked fussy.

[@JJonCars]

Yes, each to their own. The facelift is all aggressive and Aston-Martin-y lol

[@ตะวันทอแสง-ฑ5ร]

In Thailand this model has been discontinued due to criticism from the gear system that has jerking problems when driving. I have a MK2 and it is a very good car, but the MK3 I have always been interested in and would like to get. Possession but must cancel that idea.

[@JJonCars]

Did they sell a manual gearbox in the MK3 Focus in Thailand?

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, I think Gen 1 - 3 where game changers! The Gen 4 is a bit wishy washy.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks mate!

[@r20kg]

I just brought 1.0 ecoboost 125hp. And I am freaking scared becouse of all this videos about timing belt and cooling sistem. I have service in a couple of days. I rly hoping after that car will be safe. Greatings from Serbia. 😄

[@JJonCars]

Keep it serviced with the recommended oil and filters and you should be ok :) hello from the UK!

[@r20kg]

@@JJonCars What you recommend about oil. Should I stick with 5w20? Its 140k km

[@MartinJones123]

The MK3 Focus certainly has a nice exterior, but I'm personally not a fan of the dashboard design, especially the infotainment area... I prefer the interior design of the MK2 Focus, despite it being a generation older... I might be biased as I do own a MK2 ST225, or XR5 Turbo as we call them here in Australia.. I'd also like to add that the Focus is quite an overlooked car in general, and it's a shame that the Focus nameplate is gone in 2025...

[@JJonCars]

I'll give you that the MK2 dashboard is a bit more simple and cohesive. But I like the modern and different (to anyone else) design of the MK3 interior. A shame indeed. Cheers Martin

[@MartinJones123]

@@JJonCars Fair enough... I don't mind different automotive design, however the MK3 Focus and smaller Ford interiors from this era (such as Fiesta and Ecosport), really just don't do it for me tbh... Also, this is around the era where the horrible Powershift Automatic was used, though luckily this is a manual example featured here...

[@JJonCars]

@@MartinJones123 yeah, I've heard nothing but bad things about Powershift. Those automated manuals are notorious anyway, but Ford seem to have built a particularly problematic one

[@davidsivills3599]

I own a 2012 1.0 ecoboost focus it runs absolutely brilliantly had it 5 year no problems yet,but i worry it's going to go boom it's fitted with a wet belt a massive error by ford.I am going to replace it soon I've been told to replace the belt it will cost over £800 twice as much as a conventional belt.I will never buy a car again with a wet belt.

[@JJonCars]

I think they can be OK if you make sure you service them regularly with the correct oil. But you should do what feels right for you :)

[@ps36081]

The steering wheel does go in/out up and down or was that only on higher spec?

[@JJonCars]

I am starting to question myself about this as a few people have said it pulls out...

[@ps36081]

@JJonCars my wife has a Titanium 1.6TD She didnt know the steering wheel pulled out either!

[@JJonCars]

@@ps36081 I've removed that part of the video as it does indeed go in and out as well as up and down. Dunno how I didn't notice at the time 😆

[@silverwerewolf975]

In argentina we have the aspired 2.0 version 170hp, but only 5 speed manual... 6 is a must, i didnt knew that that version existed. Anyways is a great car. The interior here (SA versión) is different, much prettier in my opinion, and the screen a lot bigger, leather seats... The one on the video feels like a base focus or middle one, not titanium...

[@JJonCars]

That's interesting that you got better equipped versions in South America :) I'm not sure you could even get leather here, or if you could its rare

[@silverwerewolf975]

@@JJonCars yup is weird, if i could i would sent you images to see !

[@geochonker9052]

Is this a good first car?

[@JJonCars]

Yeah I'd say so. Just check insurance and if that's OK then go for it

[@volt8684]

Sorry JJbut mk 1 was the game changer and imo the best

[@JJonCars]

Well, you're not wrong. It was a game changer, more so than the Mk3. I really do love the MK1. But I needed a title :p and I do think design-wise the mk3 was really radical compared to anything before it

[@insiderreality491]

I've a mk1 and a mk3. The mk3 is awful in comparison. Wobbly. No steering feel and more cramped inside. The mk1 is a joy to drive in comparison the tight chassis feels like it's 20 years ahead of the mk3

[@JJonCars]

I'd agree on lack of feel/feedback on the steering, but I don't think it's so bad. The mk1 is a great car though.

[@fredonline]

I noticed your pronunciation of 'Hyundai' was old school, but it's a habit you may eventually get out of - just like 'Skoda' is now being pronounced 'Shhkoda'! 🙃 I'm sure the Focus is a very capable car, but not one I've ever really been interested in, purely because it's so common to see on the roads. I was the same with the Escort and Fiesta - their commonness put me off. Not very scientific or rational I know.

[@JJonCars]

I may or may not adjust my pronunciation - there are many brands we Brits generally pronounce 'incorrectly', but really it's just the anglicised way of saying it. Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it 😂 I'm 100% with you on the rarity thing - I'd sooner have something technically worse but more unusual :) cheers Fred

[@austinmatthews347]

The estate is better looking

[@philmoffett366]

Best car I ever had! 2014 Black zetec s 1.6 diesel bought it with 35k had it for 5 years and it got written off (hit a deer on the motorway) but it had 288k on it and I didn’t have a signal issue with it👍 passed all its mot’s without any issues…….brilliant car I was gutted when the insurance write it off 🥲

[@colindobson6202]

A pity it was a Ford , garbage