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Hatchback · 2014–2018

FordFocus

The Mk3 Focus is a proper family hatch with strong motorway manners. Diesels are cheap to run if they see longer trips; Powershift automatics need a service-history deep dive.

Best for: Families wanting space without jumping to an SUV.

Ford Focus
Power
120 hp
Economy
60–74 mpg
Fuel
Diesel
Boot
285–395 litres
0–60
8.5–12.5 sec 0–60 mph
Torque
170–250 Nm

Variants & trims

GTI / ST / R-Line / AMG Line are not the same thing — match the boot badge and V5C engine code.

13 listed
VariantPowerRoad tax
Style / Studio 1.0 EcoBoost

Entry petrol. Wet-belt checks apply.

1.0 EcoBoost · 50–58 mpg

100 hp~£195*
Zetec 1.0 / 1.5 EcoBoost

Common family buy.

1.0–1.5 EcoBoost · 45–55 mpg

100–150 hp~£195*
Titanium / Titanium X

Higher kit petrols and diesels.

Various · 45–55 mpg

125–150 hp~£195*
1.5 EcoBlue diesel

High-mileage hero if DPF is healthy.

1.5 EcoBlue · 60–74 mpg

95–120 hp~£195*
2.0 EcoBlue / TDCi

Stronger pull for estates and towing.

2.0 diesel · 55–65 mpg

150 hp~£195*
ST-Line

Sport appearance — confirm engine separately.

Various · 40–55 mpg

125–182 hp~£195*
ST-Line X

Bigger wheels; check alignment and kerbing.

Various · 40–50 mpg

150–182 hp~£195*
Vignale

Top trim leather/nav pack.

Various · 40–55 mpg

150–182 hp~£195*
Focus ST (Mk3)

Fast hatch/estate. Mounts, brakes, service stamps.

2.0 EcoBoost · 32–38 mpg

250 hp~£195*
Focus ST Estate

Practical hot estate — rare and desirable.

2.0 EcoBoost · 32–36 mpg

250 hp~£195*
Focus RS (Mk3)

Specialist PPI only. Drift mode, head gaskets folklore — get a scan.

2.3 EcoBoost AWD · 28–33 mpg

350 hp~£195+*
Powershift automatic

Avoid without full dual-clutch history.

DCT · 45–55 mpg

125–150 hp~£195*
Estate / Sportbreak

Body style — pair with engine from V5C.

Various · 35–65 mpg

100–250 hp~£195*

*Indicative annual UK Vehicle Excise Duty for typical post-April 2017 cars after year one (~£195 petrol/diesel standard rate at time of writing). First-year rates, pre-2017 CO₂ bands, electric rules and the expensive-car supplement can differ — confirm with the registration on GOV.UK.

Full specifications

Engine1.5 litre
Gearbox5- or 6-speed manual; automatic varies by trim
DimensionsApprox. 4.0–4.6m long · 1.7–1.8m wide
ServiceUsually 12 months or 10,000–20,000 miles; confirm by VIN and handbook
InsuranceTypically groups 12–28, depending on trim and power
Road taxDepends on first registration date, CO₂ band and fuel type — confirm on GOV.UK
CO₂Varies by engine, gearbox and trim — check the V5C or GOV.UK vehicle enquiry

Buying a used Focus

  1. 1Prefer manuals unless Powershift has full dual-clutch fluid history
  2. 2Check DPF and EGR if the car only does short trips
  3. 3ST and RS cars need specialist inspection
  • · Confirm the exact engine code, trim and gearbox on the V5C before ordering parts
  • · Check the latest MOT history and advisories on GOV.UK
  • · Compare cold-start behaviour, warning lights and service invoices before buying

Common faults to check

Inspection prompts — not a diagnosis.

  • DPF regeneration issues on short urban journeys
  • Powershift dual-clutch servicing history on automatics
  • Front suspension arm and bush wear

Owner handbook

Official Ford manuals — oil grades, tyre pressures, fuses. We link out; PDFs stay with the manufacturer.

Ford owner manuals ↗

More Ford

Reviewed October 2026. Photos: Wikimedia Commons. Manufacturer handbook and UK model-year specifications GOV.UK MOT guidance and vehicle test standards Owner and workshop inspection patterns; verify against the specific VIN