If you’re in the market for a small or compact Ford, the choice often boils down to two options: the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus. Both cars are UK staples, known for their driving dynamics, practicality, and overall good value for money. 

However, while they come from the same brand, they’re aimed at slightly different segments of the market. In this article, we’ll compare the two models across key areas to help you decide which one suits you best.

What is The Ford Fiesta?

The Ford Fiesta has been one of the most popular small cars in the UK for decades. Originally launched in 1976, the Fiesta has evolved into a practical and fun-to-drive hatchback that appeals to first-time buyers, city dwellers, and those who simply want a reliable car for everyday use.

It offers a range of engine options, technology, and customisation, making it a versatile choice in the small car category, it currently sits as Ford’s second-smallest car. The Fiesta isn’t in production any more, but you can still get some nearly-new models for a reasonable price.

What is The Ford Focus?

The Ford Focus is a compact family hatchback that has been a mainstay of the UK car market since 1998. Known for its sharp handling and practicality, the Focus offers more space than the Fiesta while still being nimble enough to appeal to those who enjoy a lively driving experience. 

It’s a good fit for families or individuals who need a little more space, but still want a manageable car for urban driving.

Size and Dimensions

When it comes to size, the Fiesta is noticeably smaller, being over a foot in length shorter. This translates to a bigger boot and more legroom for rear passengers. 

As expected, the Ford Focus is larger in nearly every dimension. It offers more interior space, especially when it comes to boot capacity, making it a better option for families or those who regularly carry more luggage. 

The Fiesta, however, is more compact and nimble, making it ideal for tight urban environments and smaller parking spaces. Interestingly the Focus weighing only 133kg more should help it remain nearly on-par fuel economy-wise.

Hybrid & Electric Options

Both the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus are available in hybrid versions, reflecting the industry's shift towards greener alternatives. The Fiesta is available as a mild-hybrid (MHEV) with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. 

The Focus also offers MHEV variants, as well as a full hybrid version with a 2.0-litre engine and an electric motor. This allows for a better balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a good option for longer trips or those doing motorway journeys regularly. 

However, neither car is currently offered as a fully electric model, though Ford’s plans for the future might change this.

Engines and Gearboxes

Both the Fiesta and Focus offer a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as hybrid variants.

The Fiesta’s engine lineup includes a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that produces 95bhp, 125bhp, or 155bhp, with a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. In 2020, Ford stopped offering the Fiesta with a Diesel engine.

The Ford Focus has a large range of engines, with options ranging from a 1.0-litre EcoBoost to a more powerful 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel producing up to 120bhp. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available.

If you're planning on regular motorway trips or towing, the Focus is also available with a 150 or 190hp 2.0 diesel, giving the power and torque needed over the smaller petrol engines.

Exterior Styling

The Ford Fiesta and Focus are both recognisably Ford, but they cater to different tastes. The Fiesta is more compact, with a more youthful design that has sharp lines and a more aggressive front grille. The later models all began to adopt some of the styling of the ST line, sportier versions.

The Focus, while sharing some styling cues with the Fiesta, has a more mature, sophisticated look. It’s larger and more sculpted, with a bolder grille and sleeker lines, making it appear more grown-up and executive.

In short, if you prefer a sportier vibe, the Fiesta will appeal more. If you're after something a bit more refined and practical, the Focus might be more your style.

Interior Styling

Inside, the Fiesta is designed for a smaller, more minimalist feel. It offers a good-quality interior with soft-touch materials, but it doesn’t feel as spacious or plush as the Focus. The dashboard layout is simple, with a large touchscreen in the centre and physical buttons for ease of use.

The Ford Focus offers a more premium interior, with a larger infotainment screen and a more expansive layout. The materials used feel more upmarket, and there’s more space throughout, including rear-seat legroom. The Focus feels like a step up in terms of overall comfort and luxury.

Reliability and Warranty

From new, both came with Ford’s standard 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, but as the Fiesta is no longer available new, be sure to check things like service history carefully. Both cars are generally well-regarded, with the Fiesta holding a slight edge in terms of long-term dependability due to its simpler technology and lower running costs.

One consideration with both of these cars and any recent Ford product is the EcoBoost wet belt issue. On some engines, the 1.0 litre being the biggest offender, the cambelt deteriorating can contaminate the oil, leading to engine failure. 

Before purchasing any car with a wet cam belt, check the engine oil and cambelt servicing meticulously, and avoid any car that’s missing proof of these service items.

Safety

Both the Ford Fiesta and Focus are equipped with modern safety features, including multiple airbags, traction control, and automatic emergency braking. The Ford Fiesta has received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, with good results in adult occupant protection and pedestrian safety.

The Focus also boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and includes more advanced safety tech, like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It offers a higher level of safety tech, making it a better option if advanced features are a priority.

Cost and Value For Money

The Ford Fiesta starts at around £16,000 for the base model, making it an affordable option for those on a tighter budget. As the Fiesta is no longer available new, there are some good deals to be had on a 3-year-old off-lease car.

The Ford Focus, being a larger and more premium offering, starts at around £28,500. Higher-end models like the Titanium and ST-Line tack on anything from £3-6,000.

In terms of value for money, the Fiesta excels for those who want a cheap, fun, and reliable car, but if you need extra space and practicality, the Focus offers excellent value for money too.

The Verdict

The Ford Fiesta is the perfect choice for those who need a compact, affordable car for city driving or commuting. Its small size, lower running costs, and fun handling make it ideal for young drivers or anyone who doesn’t need a lot of space.

On the other hand, the Ford Focus offers a more mature and refined driving experience, with more space, better comfort, and more advanced safety features. It’s the better choice for families, longer commutes, or those who want a more grown-up car.

Ultimately, the choice between the Fiesta and Focus depends on your priorities: whether it’s the nimble agility of the Fiesta or the more spacious and sophisticated Focus. Both are excellent cars in their own right, so you can’t go wrong with either option.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.