Ford Focus Active estate review: it's time to ditch that SUV

Опубликовано 22 марта 2023, 17:30

The Ford Focus Active estate is all the family car you'll ever need. This is why we think the rugged Focus combines the best of an estate car with some of the style and capability of an SUV.

Read more at Auto Express:
Ford Focus Active estate long-term test review: aex.ae/3Yzq7zZ
Ford Focus range review: aex.ae/3ZcV0tG
SUBSCRIBE for more new car reviews and road test videos: aex.ae/2gY9ABE

It’s true that ride and handling balance aren’t top priorities for many family-car buyers, but don’t underestimate the value of a model that feels right on the road. The Ford Focus Active estate inspires confidence, making you more connected to what’s going on, and everyday driving becomes less of a chore as a result.

The estate bodystyle costs £1,160 more than the Focus hatchback and if you value extra space in the rear, it seems a sensible option. The big, uniformly shaped load space has a few little tricks up its sleeve, too. You can remove the roller-blind parcel shelf and store it under the main boot floor.

When that underfloor space is empty, it serves as a waterproof storage area, with the lid becoming a dividing wall that clips into place to separate your muddy boots in the front part of the boot from the stuff you’d rather not get grubby at the back. It’s not a bad device when you’re loading the boot with supermarket shopping bags, either, because it provides a bit of support to stop them spilling their contents all over the load bay on the way home.

So the Focus Active estate really does prove to offer the best of both worlds. Another example of why the fanciest option isn't always the one to go for.

Would you like to receive the latest car news, reviews, features, pictures and videos in your e-mail inbox three times a week? The Auto Express e-mail newsletter delivers exactly that, it's free and it takes seconds to sign up: aex.ae/2ml5DOf

More Auto Express videos:
Car reviews playlist: aex.ae/2gY4ViX
Track battle playlist: aex.ae/2U8yvdf
Car news playlist: aex.ae/3vyKA8G

Follow us
Twitter: twitter.com/AutoExpress
Facebook: facebook.com/AutoExpress
Instagram: instagram.com/autoexpress