Ford Focus Mk1 and Mk2: The First Two Generations in Detail

Ford Focus Mk1 and Mk2 at a glance

The Focus took the Escort's place in Ford's European range and quickly became a best-seller; the old 1cars text notes that reviewers praised its comfort and handling. It sits between the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Mondeo, and was followed by the third-generation Focus in 2011. Ford's current and classic models are in the Ford catalogue.

First generation (C170, 1998–2004)

The first Focus was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1998 and went on sale in Europe in July 1998. Its "New Edge" styling, created by Claude Lobo and John Doughty under Jack Telnack, followed earlier Ford models such as the Ka and Cougar and was often described as polarising. According to the old 1cars text, Ford considered keeping the Escort name and only approved the name Focus in early 1998.

The Focus was built in Saarlouis (Germany), Valencia (Spain), Wayne (USA), Hermosillo (Mexico) and General Pacheco (Argentina), among other plants. Its Control Blade rear suspension, an independent multi-link design with a pressed-steel trailing arm, was cheaper to build than conventional multi-link systems and reduced road noise, while most compact rivals still used semi-independent rear axles.

The old 1cars text lists four gearboxes: the five-speed MTX-75 and IB5 manuals, a six-speed Getrag manual and the 4F27E four-speed automatic.

The 2001 facelift

A facelift in late 2001 brought revised headlights, bumpers and grille, optional xenon headlights, new seat fabrics and the Duratorq TDCi diesel. According to the old 1cars text, satellite navigation, a CD changer and climate control were also available.

ST170 and Focus RS (Mk1)

The ST170 of 2002 used a Cosworth-tuned 2.0-litre engine with 127 kW (170 PS) and a six-speed Getrag manual gearbox. The old 1cars text gives 0–100 km/h in 7.4–8.5 seconds, a top speed of 216–220 km/h and brakes with 300 mm ventilated front and 280 mm rear discs. The Focus RS (2002–2003) had a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with at least 158 kW (215 PS) and 310 Nm and a Quaife torque-biasing differential; only 4,501 were built.

Second generation (C1, 2004–2010)

The second Focus was launched at the Paris Motor Show on 25 September 2004 as a three- and five-door hatchback and an estate; the saloon followed in mid-2005. It moved to Ford's C1 platform, shared with the Volvo C30, S40, V50 and C70, the Mazda3 and the Focus C-Max. The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, built by Pininfarina in Turin, was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006 and went on sale in October 2006. European production ran from August 2004 to 2010.

A 1.8-litre Flexifuel version could run on ethanol blends, and the ECOnetic, shown at Frankfurt in September 2007, combined the 109 PS 1.6 TDCi with a particulate filter for 4.3 l/100 km and 115 g/km of CO₂.

The 2008 Kinetic Design facelift

The facelifted second-generation Focus was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, and UK sales began in February 2008. It adopted Ford's "Kinetic Design" styling, with new grilles, headlights and tail lights.

Focus ST, RS and RS500 (Mk2)

The Mk2 RS, launched on 5 January 2009, kept front-wheel drive but used a Quaife limited-slip differential and RevoKnuckle front suspension, which gives a smaller scrub radius and kingpin offset than a conventional design. The RS500 of April 2010 was limited to 500 numbered cars, reached 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and had a top speed of 266 km/h.

Euro NCAP and awards

The first Focus won European Car of the Year 1999, North American Car of the Year 2000 and Automobile magazine's Automobile of the Year 2000.

Which Focus Mk1 or Mk2 to buy

For everyday use, a facelifted Mk2 from 2008 with the 1.6 Ti-VCT petrol or 1.6 TDCi diesel offers the best balance of equipment, safety and economy. Enthusiasts look for the ST170, the Mk2 ST or the limited RS models. On any older Focus, check the service history of the engine and gearbox and the condition of the suspension.

Rivals: how the Focus compares

The Focus competed with compact cars such as the Opel Astra, the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla. According to the old 1cars text, reviewers judged the first Focus better than the Astra and Golf IV of its time for comfort and handling, and its price was competitive. Its strengths are a sophisticated rear suspension, a wide engine range and strong hot versions; the main criticism of the Mk1 was its polarising styling.

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