Ford Fiesta vs Ford Focus: Used Car Comparison

Known for producing good-quality, reliable cars that also deliver performance, Ford has an excellent lineup of vehicles that cater to most lifestyles. As part of the range are two of the best-selling compact hatchback vehicles in the country, the Focus, and the Fiesta.

Considering their popularity, it come as no surprise to learn that both the Focus and Fiesta offer the essentials for a busy life. However, they have slight differences that might make one more fitting to your lifestyle than the other.

This article will explore both vehicle’s main differences and how they might apply to different lifestyles.

Contents

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

The Ford Fiesta was first introduced in 1976 whilst the Ford Focus came along over two decades later, making its debut in 1998.

While both vehicles have been around for a while, they went through a variety of evolutions to ensure they met requirements of users of their era. Nowadays, the latest generations of Fiesta and Focus feature up-to-date technology and cutting-edge features.

Sporting an athletic design and compact dimensions, the Fiesta is the smallest of the two and is better suited to individuals or smaller families. In one of its last design uplifts, features such as a wider front grille and sleek LED lamps were updated to add a more stylish look.

The Focus on the other hand is slightly larger and wider than the Fiesta, making it better suited to those that require more space. With a more aerodynamic look, it displays pointy LED headlamps and a deeper front bumper, which brings a more grown-up look to the vehicle.

Versions and Performance

As with many car models, the Ford Fiesta and Focus are available in a basic trim that can be upgraded to better-equipped ones. Both use the same naming conventions for their trims and feature similar levels of technology as you work your way through the range.

The entry level Zetec is a good starter model that comes with the essentials. Safety features such as lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking come as standard for both models. There are two mid-range options to choose from: the ST-Line, which offers a sportier feel and look, and the Titanium, which provides a more premium offering.

The most luxurious trim available, known as the Vignale, is equipped with leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive LED headlights among other extra features that will increase comfort and improve the driving experience.

There are a variety of both petrol and diesel engines to choose from across both models, with the most popular including:

Fiesta

• 1.0-litre EcoBoost (123bhp, 0 to 62mph in 11.3 seconds, circa 44.8mpg)
• 1.1-litre engine (84bhp, 0 to 62mph in 13.8 seconds, circa 64.2mpg)

Focus

• 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol (123bhp, 0 to 62mph in 11.3 seconds, circa 44.8mpg)
• 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol (178bhp, 0 to 62mph in 8.8 seconds, circa 48mpg)
• 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel (197bhp, 0 to 62mph in 7.7 seconds, circa 48.9mpg)

Interior and Technology

Ford has always designed their vehicles to be practical and comfortable. Those traits aren’t exclusive to the higher trims, with entry-level models being well-equipped with great features to keep the driver and passengers entertained.

Newer generations of both models come with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pre-installed as standard. If you prefer to use the vehicle's own infotainment system, both the Fiesta and Focus feature Ford's SYNC system which has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use.

There are plenty of safety features to keep the passengers of these five-seaters secure. Some of the features that helped both the Fiesta and Focus, score five stars in EURO NCAP crash tests are electronic stability control, driver attention detection and side curtain airbags for the front row.

Practicality

Available with three and five doors, the Fiesta and Focus, provide accessibility to boot and back seats according to convenience. Both models have a spacious interior and when it comes to the storage space, there’s a substantial difference between the two.

Whilst the Fiesta holds 292 litres with the seats up, the Focus holds up to 392 litres. However, when the seats are down and the boot is expanded, the storage space in the Focus increases to 1,250 litres whilst the Fiesta fits 1,093 litres.

When it comes to comfort, the Fiesta is more spacious for the passengers. It has 39.1 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom against Focus' 38.3 inches for headroom and 43.1 inches of legroom.

Value and Final Thoughts

Even though both vehicles were designed to provide comfort and practicality, if you’re looking for a dependable hatchback that is well suited to everyday life, then the Ford Focus would be the obvious choice. The spacious boot allows for the transportation of heavier and bulkier items, and it's better suited to family life.

If you’re after a car that is particularly great within the urban area, with a compact enough size that facilitates finding parking spots, the Ford Fiesta would be the best choice.

Experience Ford with Evans Halshaw

If you're on the lookout for your next car and want to experience either the Fiesta or Focus yourself, your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer will be able to assist. Our extensive checks ensure each and every vehicle is of the highest standards and our friendly associates can advise on alternative models, if you're interested in something a little different to Ford's offerings.

Alternatively, you're able to find additional information and guidance in the Evans Halshaw blog, including buying, selling and owner's guides.