Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) Review and Prices

In a market full of MPVs and SUVs, the humble estate has to be good to survive and the Ford Focus estate has some great qualities that make it a great alternative.

Buy or lease the Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) at a price you’ll love
We take the hassle and haggle out of car buying by finding you great deals from local and national dealers
RRP £17,640 - £28,555
Carwow price from
Cash
£14,699
Used
£11,999
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wowscore
6/10
This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car

What's good

  • Enjoyable to drive
  • Very comfortable ride
  • Generous levels of equipment

What's not so good

  • Rivals have bigger boots
  • A bit pricey
  • Depreciation worries

Find out more about the Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017)

Is the Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) a good car?

Inside, the Focus estate there is lots of passenger space and the boot is reasonably big, although not the biggest in the class. The dash has a good layout but the multitude of buttons can make it difficult to operate at a glance. There is lots of adjustment for the steering wheel and seats so it is to get comfortable.

Driving the Focus estate is rewarding and enjoyable thanks to the perfect suspension set up that is both comfortable for long journeys and minimises body roll, so the car is fun to drive in the bends.

The Focus estate is offered with a huge range of both petrol and diesel engines. Power ranges from 85hp in the 1.6-litre petrol to 246hp in the 2.0-litre petrol Focus ST estate.  The diesels are also very good in terms of performance and economy and the 1.6-litre with 113hp is our recommendation and the most popular choice with our users.

Equipment levels are good with standard kit including hill start assist, air-conditioning and tyre pressure monitoring. Read on for our full review on the Ford Focus estate.

The Ford Focus Estate isn't bad but doesn't provide you with enough reasons to pick it over a German alternative

Mat Watson
Mat Watson
Carwow expert

The Ford Focus Estate may not be as fun as it used to be but it’s still near the top of the class for ride and handling, and is definitely worth consideration. 

The steep asking price looks unreasonable at first glance, and indeed if your list of criteria has “practicality” and “cheap” in bold, red writing, you can find much cheaper, if very basic alternatives such as the Dacia Logan MCV.

However, those seeking a competent all-inclusive package – that provides a fun driving experience, excellent motorway comfort, good equipment levels and the ability to swallow a reasonable amount of baggage – would be forgiven for ignoring the alternatives from rivals such as Volkswagen and Kia.

To see what sort of savings you can expect on the Focus estate, look at our deals page.

How much is the Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017)?

The Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) has a RRP range of £17,640 to £28,555. However, on Carwow prices for a new Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) start at £14,699 if paying cash. The price of a used Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) on Carwow starts at £11,999.

What's it like to drive?

The  Ford Focus has come in for some criticism for its steering, being neither as fun nor as feelsome as its predecessors, in a market where unique selling points like that really matter.

The EcoBoost petrol engines are strong and the overall balance of the Focus inspires confidence

Mat Watson
Mat Watson
Carwow expert

Ford gave the Focus a major facelift in 2014 and the resulting mechanical changes improved fuel efficiency by 15 per cent on average and also significantly lowered CO2 emissions. Added to the range were the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol and a TDCi turbo diesel of the same capacity.

Petrol models mainly consist of 1.6-litre units, with either 103hp, 123hp or for more performance there are turbo-charged Ecoboost models with 147hp or 180hp.

Ford also offers the much-loved 1.0-litre Ecoboost in the estate, which develops either 99hp or 122hp. Irrespective of which version you choose, it returns commendable fuel economy of 58.9mpg and low CO2 emissions. 

If you’re a true petrolhead, Ford offers a Focus ST estate, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine generating 246hp, or a diesel producing a punchy 182hp. Critics love it and so do we – its a great choice if you need a practical family car that is also quick.

Despite the 1.0-litre petrol models’ impressively low running costs the diesels are still the economy champs; the 1.5-litre 118hp option easily achieves more than 70mpg – overall it is the best choice for economy and performance.

The  2.0-litre TDCi versions are quicker, but not as economical as the 1.5-litre model, and they are costlier to purchase – we would only recommend the 2.0-litres if you frequently drive with a full complement of passengers and luggage. 

Ford has managed to give the Focus estate a very comfortable ride. The handling is also up to scratch for those B-road blasts  – a comfy family car it may be, but it can also be enjoyed when your on your own tackling a favourite country road.

Turn on to the motorway and you’ll also be impressed by the Focus’ quiet interior and relaxed cruising ability.

What's it like inside?

Plastic quality is pretty good but the build and design are lagging behind newer alternatives

Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) colours

Solid - Colorado red
Free
Solid - Frozen white
Free
Solid - Race red
Free
Special solid - Frozen white
From £250
Metallic - Burnished glow
From £525
Metallic - Dark micastone
From £525
Metallic - Deep impact blue
From £525
Metallic - Ink blue
From £525
Metallic - Lunar Sky
From £525
Metallic - Magnetic
From £525
Metallic - Mars red
From £525
Metallic - Midnight sky
From £525
Metallic - Moondust silver
From £525
Metallic - Panther black
From £525
Metallic - Spirit blue
From £525
Metallic - Tectonic silver
From £525
Mica - Shadow black
From £525
Design paint - Iceberg blue
From £645
Design paint - Lunar Sky
From £645
Design paint - Tectonic silver
From £645
Design paint - Tiger eye
From £645
Pearl - Candy red
From £745
Pearl - Candy yellow
From £745
Pearl - Tangerine scream
From £745
Special metallic - Candy red
From £795
Next Read full interior review
Buy or lease the Ford Focus Estate (2011-2017) at a price you’ll love
We take the hassle and haggle out of car buying by finding you great deals from local and national dealers
RRP £17,640 - £28,555
Carwow price from
Cash
£14,699
Used
£11,999
Ready to see prices tailored to you?
Compare used deals