Ford Focus vs. Fiesta: Picking the best used car

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly family car, you’ve likely considered the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus. These popular hatchbacks are often seen on British roads and offer a lot of value. While new versions of these models aren’t currently in the works, nearly new models still have plenty to offer in their respective classes.

So, which one is the right fit for you? This guide will compare Fiesta vs. Ford Focus and highlight the key differences to help you decide.

Engines

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus offers a range of engines similar to the Fiesta but excludes the 1.1-litre entry-level unit. However, it includes a standard 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine boosted to 125bhp. You can also opt for a 1.0-litre mild hybrid version with 125bhp. In addition to these petrol options, the Focus offers a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 120bhp.

All engines have a six-speed manual or a 7-speed auto transmission. The diesel option can also be paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Ford Fiesta

Now, for the Ford Fiesta. It’s fitted with a 1.1-litre petrol engine that delivers 75hp. While suitable for younger drivers, it lacks power compared to other models. For more power, Ford offers an outstanding 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with two options: 100bhp or 125bhp in mild hybrid form. Both variants feel peppy and provide sufficient power for comfortable highway driving.

The 1.0-litre models come standard with a user-friendly six-speed manual gearbox, or you can choose a seven-speed auto gearbox. The 1.1-litre Fiesta is only available as a five-speed manual.

Price

When it comes to ownership costs, both the Fiesta and Focus are competitively priced as mass-market cars. The Focus is slightly better in fuel economy, especially with its 1.5-litre diesel engine achieving 62.8mpg. If you’re concerned about company car tax, the 1.0-litre mild hybrid Focus offers the lowest BIK rate.

Meanwhile, the Fiesta offers economical options, too. Its 1.1-litre petrol engine is the most fuel-efficient, delivering around 53mpg. The 1.0-litre petrol version is also efficient — it gets nearly 50mpg and costs just about £7 more annually in company car tax at the 20% rate than the Focus.

Overall, the Fiesta usually has a lower initial purchase price, but the running costs between both models are similar. You can find both used Focus and Fiesta cars on Carplus, a wide range of cars for affordable prices!

Styling

Ford Focus

Both cars share a basic body style philosophy typical of Ford’s design approach. They have matured in design to appeal to a broad audience, each receiving recent updates to maintain a fresh, upscale appearance. Newer models feature sharper aesthetics than their older, more rounded predecessors.

The Ford Fiesta has a wide front grille and sleek LED headlamps. In contrast, the Focus presents a more mature appearance due to its larger size and sportier design elements, like a deeper front bumper and pointed LED headlamps. The grille varies across trim levels and enhances the sporty appeal.

Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta starts with 15-inch steel wheels on the basic model, with alloys available in higher trims like Titanium X. Meanwhile, the Focus comes standard with alloy wheels, except for the entry-level model.

Deciding between the two cars comes down to personal taste, but in general, the Focus is seen as more attractive than the Fiesta because of its well-balanced design.

Driving

Both the Ford Focus and Fiesta shine in their driving dynamics. This reflects Ford’s reputation for sharp handling and precise controls that navigate the UK’s town or country roads well.

If forced to choose, the Focus edges ahead slightly from behind the wheel. It offers a slightly smoother ride, better shielding passengers from bumps, and less wind noise at high speeds. Being heavier and longer than the Fiesta, it can’t quite match the Fiesta’s nimble handling. However, the Focus is excellent in long-distance ride comfort, so it’s a more well-rounded choice.

Nevertheless, the Fiesta remains a joy to drive. Its controls are responsive and user-friendly. Even base models offer a hint of the sporty feel found in higher-performance versions. This distinction is particularly noticeable in both cars’  ST-line hot hatch variants. The Focus ST is quicker, but the Fiesta ST’s agile steering and lighter weight give it a more spirited character on twisty roads and corners. ​​

If you were to choose between the Focus ST and Fiesta ST, know that the former is a more comfortable car with a higher ride height.

Interior

Ford Focus

When you sit behind the steering wheel of the Ford Focus or Fiesta, you’ll notice their shared family resemblance. Both models provide a high level of quality, with no squeaks or rattles while driving and soft-touch materials in the areas you frequently interact with.

In the Focus, the interior quality competes well with top contenders in its class. It features soft-touch padded materials on upper surfaces, complemented by metallic finishes available in different trim levels. There are some harder plastics, particularly on the centre console between the front seats, but they are mainly in less frequently touched areas. The inclusion of padded door liners and flock-lined storage compartments adds a touch of luxury to the cabin. Plus, it reduces vibrations and minimises rattling noises.

Ford Fiesta

Inside the Fiesta, you’ll find a clear and tidy interior space layout with various materials depending on the trim. The predominant charcoal grey plastics are paired with similarly toned fabrics. The trim materials, though affordable, are easy to clean — they don’t require special suede cleaners or leather polish. The interior of the Fiesta feels solidly assembled, where panels fit snugly, and the switchgear is robust.

Technology

Both models come equipped with 8-inch touchscreens as standard and feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both cars include features like digital radio and sporty-looking dials.

The Focus offers a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and more kit on higher trims. There’s also an additional screen in front of the driver on higher levels. However, some find its graphics odd, and its slight lag doesn’t enhance the interior experience. Lower-spec models stick with the traditional analogue dial setup, which is clear, clean, and includes a smaller integrated display providing essential information.

In the Fiesta, the infotainment system isn’t the fastest on the market, but it generally performs well. Ford wisely kept traditional buttons for major controls throughout the Fiesta’s cabin, allowing easy access to frequently used functions.

Boot space and practicality

The Fiesta and Focus offer decent utility without SUV-like space. The larger Focus, of course, has a larger boot at 375 litres compared to the Fiesta’s 292 litres, but both are sufficient for groceries and small luggage. In the rear seats, average-sized adults fit comfortably in both cars, though taller passengers may prefer the Focus for its extra head and legroom.

If you need more boot space, the Focus Estate offers the largest rear capacity to accommodate pushchairs and suitcases comfortably. The hatchback model is spacious enough for large loads without any issues. You get 1,354 litres of storage space when you fold the rear bench flat.

If you want to get more out of the Ford Fiesta, the ST model offers 311 litres of boot space. Dropping the back seats in the standard Fiesta expands the cargo area to 1,093 litres, the same in the ST model.

What’s important to add is that maintaining both models is straightforward and economical with readily available parts.

Safety and reliability

Both models have you covered in terms of safety and reliability. They both earned top marks in recent Euro NCAP crash tests, with a full five-star rating for excellent protection in various accident scenarios. The Focus goes a step further by including advanced safety features like autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keeping assist as standard.

As for reliability, both models have proven themselves over time, and no major common issues have been reported. This shows they’re dependable choices with minimal maintenance concerns.

Dimensions

The Focus and Fiesta differ in size across all parameters, except for height, where they are similar. The Focus offers more space overall than the smaller Fiesta.

Focus:

• Length: 4,378 mm
• Width: 1,825 mm
• Height: 1,458 mm

Fiesta:

• Length: 4,048 mm
• Width: 1,735 mm
• Height: 1,484 mm

Who is Ford Focus for?

If you need a bigger car that’s practical for family trips and offers more comfort and refinement, the Ford Focus is your best bet. It provides more space and features than the Fiesta, which makes it a great choice for long trips. Plus, the cost difference isn’t significant, so you get more value for a bit more money.

Who is Ford Fiesta for?

The Ford Fiesta is perfect for new drivers or anyone needing a city car that can handle short trips. It’s affordable, fun to drive, and well-equipped for everyday tasks like shopping and commuting. The Fiesta combines practicality with enjoyment, and this makes for an excellent choice for urban driving.

Final words: Ford Fiesta vs. Focus? Your best option

If you’re picking between the Focus and Fiesta and trying to save money, the Fiesta is a solid choice. It doesn’t feel like a cheap option, though. It has excellent handling, is practical for everyday use, and you’ll definitely enjoy driving the Fiesta ST.

On the other hand, if you’re thinking about spending a bit more on the Focus, it could be worth it. The Focus offers more space, a smoother ride, and a larger infotainment screen. Moreover, nearly new Focus models might hold their value better and have a smaller price difference from the Ford Fiesta than brand-new ones.