The top 10 Ford Focus alternatives

This compact family hatchback is great to drive and easy to live with, but there are dozens of excellent rivals you should also consider.

We've chosen 10 of our favourite Ford Focus alternatives. All of them are available as great-value used cars from Motorpoint.

Volkswagen Golf

Better than a Focus for: comfort

The Volkswagen Golf is the car Ford set out to beat with the Focus. For many families, the Golf is the default choice thanks to its all-round ability. It's well built, easy to drive and practical enough to seat four without feeling cramped. The Focus handles well but the Golf just pips it for ride comfort, with a few extra degrees of softness to take the edge off your commute. Like the Ford, the VW has a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, along with sporty Golf GTI and Golf R models, but it's the only one of the pair available as a plug-in hybrid.

Shop used Volkswagen Golf cars or read our Volkswagen Golf review

BMW 1 Series

Better than a Focus for: handling

If you're shopping used Focus models, you could consider stepping up to a BMW 1 Series – monthly prices on PCP finance aren't worlds away. You're not just paying more for the desirable badge on the bonnet – the 1 Series has a noticeably sportier edge than the Ford, with less body roll, faster steering and strong performance from every engine in the lineup. Material quality also takes an obvious step up, while BMW's iDrive infotainment system looks and feels a little more high-tech than the Focus'. You'll lose a few millimetres of rear-seat space in the 1 Series but it's still broadly comparable to the Ford.

Browse used BMW 1 Series cars or read our BMW 1 Series review

Peugeot 308

Better than a Focus for: style

The latest Focus is a good-looking car but feels a bit tame parked next to the Peugeot 308. This French family car has show-stopping stying with dramatic creases and slashes all over its bodywork. That's only a preview to the cabin, however, which feels like it came straight from a concept car, with angular surfaces and sci-fi-like screens on the dashboard. We like the touch sensitive shortcuts that feel like they were lifted out of Star Trek. The Peugeot's boot is a few litres larger than the Focus, but it trades away some rear-seat legroom in return.

Search used Peugeot 308 cars or read our Peugeot 308 review

Kia Ceed

Better than a Focus for: value

There's a lot to like about the Kia Ceed. Like the Focus, it's a solid all-round performer but, in a straight comparison, the Ceed loses a point here or there for driver appeal and practicality. These marginal differences are erased, however, when you consider that the Kia usually more affordable on the used market, so you could get a newer, lower mileage or higher spec model for the same price. There are plenty of positives to the sensible Kia too, like its transferrable seven-year factory warranty and its generously equipped trim levels.

Check out used Kia Ceed cars

Toyota Corolla

Better than a Focus for: fuel economy

The Focus is already a fairly efficient car but the Toyota Corolla takes economy to the next level. All models come with a full-hybrid engine that can achieve north of 60mpg in mixed driving, all without needing to be plugged in. A tiny thirst for fuel isn't the only benefit of this setup, either – there are no gears to shift, acceleration is smooth and linear, and the hybrid electric motor means responsive acceleration at urban speeds. Build quality is impeccable too, and Toyota's reputation for reliability means you can expect years of hassle-free service.

View used Toyota Corolla cars or read our Toyota Corolla review

Mazda 3

Better than a Focus for: luxury

Cars like the Mazda 3 show that the Japanese brand is here to take on the big premium Germans. However, prices on the used market mean it's much closer to Focus money than Mercedes money. The cabin looks and feels really plush too, with upmarket upholstery, soft-touch surfaces and clean, elegant lines throughout. It takes the fight to the Focus from behind the wheel, with agile handling, intuitive controls and excellent body control. You'll find a choice of revvy non-turbo petrol engines in the Mazda, against the Ford's lazier but more muscular turbo units.

Take a look at used Mazda 3 cars or read our Mazda 3 review

Vauxhall Astra

Better than a Focus for: interior design

The Vauxhall Astra has long been a classmate of the Focus, but rarely outshone the Ford. This most recent Astra immediately makes a strong case for itself with its retro 'visor' front end and sharp bodywork. We think the cabin is where the Vauxhall snatches the biggest lead, however, with more retro-inspired angular styling and a sweeping dual infotainment screen setup atop the dashboard – a very fashionable look right now. It's good to drive too, with composed handling and excellent motorway manners.

Find used Vauxhall Astra cars or read our Vauxhall Astra review

Ford Puma

Better than a Focus for: SUV image

Enthusiasts might feel disappointed that small SUVs like the Ford Puma are taking away sales from hatchbacks like the Focus, but there's a reason so many families are swapping over. The Puma has most of the same handling sparkle as the Focus, but with a taller cabin, a larger boot and a higher seating position. It's also one of the very few small SUVs with a legitimate performance option in the shape of the Puma ST, which doubles down on the great handling with a brawny 200hp turbo petrol engine.

Browse used Ford Puma cars or read our Ford Puma review

Nissan Leaf

Better than a Focus for: EV driving

EVs like the Nissan Leaf might be a bit pricey brand new, but steep first-year depreciation – that mostly levels out later on – means battery-powered cars can be astonishingly affordable on the used market. The Leaf, in fact, is a perfect example. This is a practical family hatchback complete with a powerful electric motor and a long equipment list that undercuts the Focus as a second-hand car. Range is a claimed 168 miles for the 40kWh battery or 239 for the 59kWh 'e+' model so, if you need a commuter or a second car, the Leaf is a strong option.

Search used Nissan Leaf cars or read our Nissan Leaf review

Mini Hatchback

Better than a Focus for: desirability

The Focus is a likeable car but it's not exactly going to get your pulse racing. In comparison, the Mini Hatchback does a lot more to make every journey feel like an occasion. Its quirky cabin is decked out with funky styling and upmarket materials, and the agile handling means even regular models feel like hot hatches on the road. Focus shoppers are best off looking at either the five-door Hatchback or the Clubman estate versions, as the three-door can feel a bit cramped if you're carrying passengers and cargo.

Shop used Mini Hatchback cars or read our Mini Hatchback review

Find the right family hatch for you

Search thousands of great-value used cars at Motorpoint, including a huge range of hatchback cars. To see more potential options, read our list of the best compact family cars.