Car Tech: Ford Focus 'Facelift' and the haunted sat-nav

There are three certainties in this world: death, taxes and owning a Ford Focus hatchback. Britain's perennial bestseller has quietly been impressing critics since its 1998 debut, but even its staunchest supporters admit it's started to show its age.

Enter the 2008 model, which has a new front grille, a more muscular rear end and a more dynamic, modern aesthetic. They've even nicknamed it the 'Facelift' to help drive the message home. But is a nip here and a tuck there enough to sway the masses, or is this a case of mutton dressed as automotive lamb?

Our video review of the £18,845 Focus Titanium 1.8 TDCi has all the answers, but poses a few new questions as well. Why is the sat-nav haunted? Why is the main information display the size of a wrist watch? Why is the 1.8-litre diesel engine so keen to stall at inopportune moments?

It's worth watching, not least because you will at some point in your life, come face to face with a Focus. It doesn't matter if you buy it yourself, inherit it from your dad in 5 years' time or get run over by one on your way to buy a Jaguar XKR Portfolio -- the 2008 Ford Focus is inevitable.

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