Ford's new Focus model is ready for action and – if you choose the right model

"We are born alone, we live alone and die alone."

Orson Welles said that. No wonder he's on his tod, miserable stake.

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We could only live three years and ten, but there is a lot of fun to have in the middle. Things to do, places to see and cars to drive.

Here's the good news – apparently, most Britons expect to have bought their dream car at the age of 42, according to a Hyundai survey.

I do not want to look like Orson Welles here, but I do not buy it. I'm not quite 42 but I know for a fact that I will not be able to buy a Porsche 911 – the first car to hang on the wall of my room – in six years.

I'm not sad because most dream cars are just dreams.

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Until the lottery win comes in, the driver's mission is to find the best engine for the price that they can afford.

me to push you in the direction of the new Ford Focus

The Focus has always done well some things, others not very well. Finally, after 20 years, Ford has given us a true versatile. Or, more precisely, a version for everyone.

Several versions of the trim are available, with several engines. The ST line is the thinnest, with 10mm less than the previous generation. There will be an active version – raised ride height and plastic wheel arches – and an estate, or wagon.

The engines include a 1.5 liter petrol of 179 hp, as well as a power of 148 hp. In addition, there are three diesel engines and three 1-liter petrol turbines.

The level of finish with which I spent the most time at launch this week was the Vignale. For eight thousand above the entry price of £ 17,930 you get cornering headlights, a B & O audio system, a wide-vision rear view camera, a parking aid, a head-up display and leather laces.

It's convenient but will not leave you parked next to something worth double the price.

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She looks elegant and ready for action, but she still offers 608 liters of boot space

-Also, the Focus went a little BMW 1 Series / Audi A3. We all know that there is more originality in this industry, and the Focus's shorter and wider look allows it to save space in the same competition as German hatches.

All versions have three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. These only modify the throttle map and the steering response, but it is possible to mate the adaptive dampers to larger engines.

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And for £ 400 you can adapt the head-up display to any model, which adds a dose of class to the traditionally functional Focus. This, coupled with the fact that there are 50% fewer buttons on the console than the latest generation, makes a classy and clean interior.

When it comes to engines, I can attest to the spirited performance of the 179bhp petrol. It's a hoot, happily far and a hoarse grunt of the three-cylinder ball

But I would avoid the 1.5 liter diesel. I drove the wagon with this engine and found that it was seriously lacking punch. He is too ruthless to pull corners with all the force, and becomes embarrassed the minute you try a hill.

Only a handful of bolts and nuts from the old Focus, and it shows. This is a new car from scratch. Advanced technology, more separation and choice between models, and a much nicer design, will keep it one of Britain's favorite cars.

Life is not so bad for drivers who still have to dream.