Ford Focus crowned 'Supreme Champion' by UK's Auto Express

From that point in time, the Focus went on to win over 50 international titles and prestigious industry awards. Today, the trend continues as the Ford Focus was recently selected Car of the Year and Best Compact Family Car by top UK auto magazine, Auto Express, at this year's New Car Honours Awards which identified the all-new Ford Focus as the "Supreme Champion".

Each year Auto Express tests more than 350 new cars. Its verdicts are based on thorough objective and subjective assessments by a wide-ranging international jury of senior motoring journalists and experienced testers. A number of factors are taken into consideration when assessing entrants: styling, driving characteristics, safety, quality, equipment and value for money. The Auto Express New Car Honours Awards represent the very finest products tested by the publication each year within a range of categories.

Auto Express' Editor David Johns said: "For many, it will come as no surprise to see the supremely talented Ford Focus scoop these two awards in this year's New Car Honours. The new Focus tackles every task, rises to every challenge and conducts itself beautifully. It's effortlessly easy to drive with perfectly weighted controls, has a highly practical attitude to passengers and luggage, is well equipped, affordable, safe, secure and has a miserly approach to running cost."

"Since its debut, the Focus has surpassed everything GCC customers have come to expect from a car its size," said Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing Director of Ford Middle East. "It was engineered with responsive steering, a European tuned suspension, solid chassis, great brakes and a durable powertrain to deliver a smooth ride, nimble handling and capable acceleration. The Focus builds on the class-leading strengths of the original model with further enhancements in quality, safety, comfort and style."

The new 1.6-litre, 119 hp 2006 Ford Focus is available in the 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and station wagon body styles, and features four trim levels: Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Ghia, with 5-speed manual and 4-speed Durashift (with manual +/- shift sequence) automatic transmissions.

All Focus models feature class-leading interior space and extensive active and passive safety features. The Focus boasts the longest wheelbase in its class and a high roofline, maximising interior space and comfort.