Used Ford Focus Estate 2018-present review

Imagine, for example, that you wanted the excellent driving manners of the admirable fourth-generation Ford Focus, but you needed a larger boot with a more practical opening for the family or dog or whatever your various needs are.

Enter the Ford Focus Estate, a car 12in longer than the hatch and with a 608-litre boot (without a spare wheel fitted) as opposed to a 375-litre one.

Indeed to make that transition between SUV and estate even easier for those in doubt which to choose there are two SUV-inspired trims, called Active and Active X, which deliver extra ground clearance and chunkier tyres to match their more rugged looks.

Engines: Engine-wise, the petrol options start with either a 99bhp or 123bhp 1.0 Ecoboost engine; mid-range models have a 1.5 with either 148bhp or 180bhp in ST-Line X form, and finish off with a 276bhp 2.3 in the ST. Diesel options are a limited to either 118bhp 1.5 or a 148bhp 2.0. All models get a six-speed manual as standard, and everything other than the 99bhp 1.0 petrol can be had as an automatic.

Trims and equipment: As far as trims go, entry-level Style models come with 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric front and rear windows. Next, Zetec trim offers infotainment upgrades and cruise control and a heated windscreen. If you fancy something that looks a little sporty, the next rung on the ladder – ST Line – is also worth considering. It has all of the Zetec’s features plus keyless start, aluminium pedals, sports seats, 17in alloy wheels and more aggressive exterior looks.

Meanwhile, as mentioned, Active models will appeal to fans of SUV-inspired styling. Titanium has a long list of standard equipment including power-folding door mirrors, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. There are also better equipped ‘X’ versions of various trims, and a top-rung Vignale.

Ride and handling: On the road, none of the engines will set your pulse racing, but all offer adequate performance for hauling loads around. Refinement levels are good, too, with most engines not causing a fuss, and wind and road noise relatively low.

The estate gets a slightly upgraded suspension setup, and in most versions it’s a fine-riding car, with the sportier ST-Line cars being a little firmer. However, it’s the Focus Estate’s handling that is truly impressive in every version, aided by wonderfully precise steering.

Interior and practicality: Inside, the driving position is multi-adjustable, and we love the uncluttered dashboard layout and orderly instruments. Visibility is good, too, and although quality is a little mixed there are some nice touches here and there.

Space up front is great, and that’s matched in the rear, where six-footers will have no problems sitting behind equally tall drivers.

Meanwhile, that 575-litre boot, when fitted with a mini spare wheel, is large and easy to access, with a low loading lip.

If you're interested in finding a used Ford Focus Estate, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Early versions of the Focus estate start at a little over £10,000 for a Zetec model with either a 1.0 petrol or 1.5 diesel. Increase your budget to £12,000 to £15,000 and you'll have your pick of more generously equipped Titanium examples form 2018 or 2019, maybe even 2020. The more powerful 1.5 petrol will set you back at least £14,000, while a 2.0 diesel closer to £15,000. Spend between £15,000 and £20,000 on later 2021 and 2022 cars, and £20,000 to £25,000 on 2023 models.

Anyone looking for the hot ST model will need to find at least £16,000.

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MPG

On paper the most economical Focus Estate according to the official WLTP figures is the 1.5 100 EcoBlue diesel-engined version, with a fuel consumption of 62.8mpg. Going for the 2.0 drops this down to 57.6mpg.

The 1.0 Ecoboost petrol records similar figures whichever state of tune you choose, with 48.7mpg. Cylinder deactivation technology that helps cut fuel consumption means the 1.5 petrol isn't far off the smaller engine in terms of efficiency, with the 148bhp version getting 47.9mpg while the 180bhp gets 45.6mpg. Don't expect to get very good economy out of the 277bhp Focus ST, because 35.3mpg is all it'll manage.

Road tax (VED)

All Focus Estates of this generation will be registered after April 2017, so will pay annual car tax (VED) at the current flat rate. This is currently £180 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing and insurance

You can spread the cost of servicing your Focus with a service plan you pay for in instalments, or can look into a Ford Essentials servicing once your car is four years old. It includes an oil and filter change, pollen filter change and a wash and vac for £169. Insurance premiums are reasonable compared with its obvious rivals

Engine

Unless you need a diesel for long-distance fuel economy, the 123bhp 1.0-litre petrol will suit all your needs in terms of performance and running costs. The 118bhp 1.5-litre is the best diesel option and is reasonably flexible once you’ve got past the turbo lag.

Specification

Studio trim is a bit too basic, and since Titanium doesn’t cost much more than Zetec, we'd suggest you go for the higher-spec model. ST-Line is worth it if you want sportier handling, but ST-Line X is a touch uncomfortable, due to its bigger wheels. Titanium X and Vignale come loaded with luxury features but don't address the rather dowdy interior and therefore don't make the Focus feel a premium as the Audi A3.

Our favourite Ford Focus Estate: 1.0 125 Ecoboost Titanium

If maximum interior space is what you’re after, then the car to go for has to be the Skoda Octavia Estate. Rivals can’t touch it for boot volume and it puts larger estates to shame when it comes to rear leg room. This previous-generation 2013-2020 version is a great used buy, too. A new version of the Skoda Octavia Estate arrived in 2020 and that's also well worth looking at.

We love the 2013-2020 Mk7 version of the Volkswagen Golf Estate too. It marries the excellent driving manners, fine build quality and frugal engines of the contemporaneous hatchback with more than enough space to keep most families happy. If you can afford it, the 2020-onwards Mk8 version of the Volkswagen Golf Estate is more of the same and a great buy, too.

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