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When you think of a small family car, what the first vehicle that comes to mind? It’s probably the Ford Focus. Ever since the car was released more than 20 years ago, it’s become a staple of our roads, proving to be exceptionally popular among working families trying to break into the middle class. In many ways, the Ford Focus was the new Mondeo of its era, as the traditional saloon declined in popularity at the end of the 1990s. Can the car still stand up in today’s much-changed market and hold its own? 

Looks 

The Focus has always been a particularly good looking car. Even the original, with its relatively basic styling, beat out the competition from companies like Citroen and Renault. The Focus had a simple elegance combined with a striking design that was hard for anybody to emulate or compete against. What was more, the car looked mean and bulky. Yes, it was a hatchback, but there was somehow more to it. While you might have been pushed around on the road driving a Fiesta, people generally didn’t mess with those behind in the wheel of a Focus. It was a grown-up’s car. 

Over the years following launch, Ford did a remarkably good job at making sure that the Focus remained stylish and relevant. They didn’t want the car to go the way of the Doblo. The updated ST version of the car suddenly gave it an aesthetic many people didn’t think was possible to have on a hatch. It looked sporty and mean like it was going places. Compared to the Golf RS, the Seat Leon and the Peugeot 308, it was in its own league. 

Space 

So the looks passed the test of time. Even an original Focus from 1998 still doesn’t look out of place or particularly aged on today’s roads. But that’s not all people buy a family hatch for. They also want them to provide them with enough space for all their family activities. 

This is perhaps the biggest problem with the Focus. For all the styling and great looks, the car itself tends to lack boot space. It appears Ford was willing to sacrifice the trunk in favor of providing passengers in the cockpit with added leg and headroom. It’s a great vehicle if you want to transport five six-foot-plus men, but not particularly useful if they want to bring any luggage with them. 

Compared to competitors in the space, such as the Vauxhall Astra and the Skoda Octavia, boot space is lacking. What’s more, even though the volume of the boot is lower than rivals, the shape restricts the amount of space on offer even further. The angle of the rear seats makes it difficult to transport large, square objects, like suitcases and boxes. Of course, if you do want to open up space in the car, you can fold down the rear seats, but transporting luggage like this isn’t ideal, and not practical if you also intend to transport the entire family. 

Image at Flickr

When you’re buying a car, people throw all kinds of figures at you. There are mileage figures, safety ratings, insurance brackets etc, etc. If you ask us, cars shouldn’t be about statistics and numbers. It’s all about the driving experience. What does it feel like to get behind the wheel and put your foot down? At the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

You’re going to spend a lot of time in your car. And all the fuel economy statistics in the world won’t make up for a poor driving experience. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not for a second suggesting you go out and buy a Ferrari because it’s fun. Super cars aren’t the only cars with a little excitement under the bonnet. Today, we’re focusing exclusively on small, affordable cars. So you can have fun, even on a budget.

Mazda MX5

The Mazda MX5 is generally considered the most exciting small car on the planet. Honestly, it will even give Porsche and Ferrari a run for their money. The engine isn’t particularly big, so what makes it so exciting? Well, it’s all about the build quality. Mazda have mastered the art of 50-50 weight distribution, and it’s light as hell. The steering is edgy and responsive, so you can fling it around the corners. The little roadster is like driving a go-kart.

Ford Fiesta

When it comes to small cars, the Fiesta comes out on top, every single time. We know it’s the most popular car on the planet (it has consistently topped the buyer’s chart for nearly a decade). But, that’s only because it’s so fantastic. Again, the engine is nothing to write home about. In fact, it’s smaller than some of its rivals. Yet, Ford have filled the Fiesta full of magic fairy dust, because it’s incredibly fast. Not only that, but it handles like a dream. All in all, it’s a great first car. Critics are already calling the latest ST model a future classic. It’s that much fun.

Fiat Punto

Fiat have always has a quirky side. The little Fiat Panda has tons of character with its small frame and bodywork, for example. The Punto is no different. It’s one of the most practical cars on the list, but it has that Italian flare for fun and style. Fiat design their cars with the twisty, windy mountains of Italy in mind. That means they know how to make a car that corners well. The Punto nips around tight corners with nimble footing, making it super fun to drive. Our friends at the Hilton Garage tell us that people always bring it back from the test drive with a smile on their face!

Mini Cooper S

The Mini has always been one of the most iconic styled cars. The new model is no different. It’s bursting with character and personality. Luckily, the fun doesn’t end there. The Mini is a firecracker under the bonnet. It’s the fastest in it’s class, and a true thrill to drive.

You can’t go wrong with any of these cars. Each has a fun personality, and plenty of power under the bonnet.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that Ford are one of the world's most popular car brands. They have a range of models to suit all lifestyles, from the frugal Fiesta to the mighty Mustang. If you're thinking of getting a new car soon, you might be considering a Ford model.

Did you know that Ford is also known for their advanced vehicle technologies? If you thought that the brand wasn't a leader of automotive innovation, think again! Let me give you five examples of how Ford's technology helps drivers like you and I have a pleasant time on the road:

Image Source: Flickr

1. Ford SYNC

If you've not heard of the Ford SYNC technology before, let me explain. In a nutshell, it offers voice-activated control of various functions in your car. If you have a Bluetooth smartphone, it will work fine with the Ford SYNC system.

For instance, you can tell it to stream an album or a song from your digital playlist. You can even tell it to make or receive calls for you while you're driving. Best of all, it even links with some of your favourite apps while you're on the road.

2. Easy Access Door System

On some models, the Easy Access Door System features as standard. The way that this technology works is simple. You have twin sliding doors on each side of the vehicle, and no B pillar that gets in the way.

It's useful for getting out of the car in a confined location. In case you're wondering, the B pillar's built into the doors themselves! Have a look for your local TCH Locations to find out where you can see such a model in person!

The Mustang brand has been the biggest name in muscle cars since one went mano a mano against, believe it or not, James Bond's Aston Martin way back in 1964.

(It's an early bit of genius Ford product placement you can see in "Goldfinger." Another 'Stang pops in the follow-up Bond flick, "Thunderball," also. Love them old spy flicks.)

Ever since, Mustang performance upgrades have been a mega industry.

I have no idea how many headers, intake manifolds, and other vehicular knick-knacks and doodads have been sold. I know it's what my friends would call (cleaning it up a bit), "a freakin' buttload."

I can guess, it's enough to put some gearheads in the poorhouse and others (the ones who make them and install them) on Easy Street.

Right now, though, one popular trend for those with more recent models are performance chips that basically tell your car "be better."

Chips seem to have that power these days; they're like a really tough but fair boss. Maybe.

Performance chip manufacturers say they increase both performance and fuel efficiency. That obviously makes them a very tempting purchase for those considering a Mustang performance upper.

In today's economy, and the price of gas being what it is, it seems pretty obvious these things are going to continue to sell.