Focus (2000 to 2018)

Introduced in 1998, the Ford Focus replaced the long-running Escort and quickly established itself as one of the best-driving cars in the compact segment, though its evolution differed between European and US markets. Early European models (Mk1 from 1998) set the benchmark for chassis balance and handling, while later generations expanded the Focus range to include high-performance variants such as the ST, RS, and the limited RS500, which cemented the model’s motorsport and enthusiast credentials. The Mk3 (2011–2018) marked the first truly global Focus, sharing design and engineering worldwide and introducing modern EcoBoost powertrains. In the Australian market, the Focus was officially sold across multiple generations and became especially popular in ST and RS form, both on road and in competition, with values today driven by performance variants, manual transmissions, originality, and low kilometres, as the Focus transitions from mainstream hatchback to recognised modern performance classic in its higher-spec forms.

Introduced in 1998, the Ford Focus replaced the long-running Escort and quickly established itself as one of the best-driving cars in the compact segment, though its evolution differed between European and US markets. Early European models (Mk1 from 1998) set the benchmark for chassis balance and handling, while later generations expanded the Focus range to include high-performance variants such as the ST, RS, and the limited RS500, which cemented the model’s motorsport and enthusiast credential… Read more