THERE is a good reason why family hatchbacks continue to sell in abundance – they are some of the best developed cars on the market.

And their development has been dramatic in recent times, led and maintained by the ground-breaking Ford Focus, which remains a strong all-rounder.

With new design cues, more equipment and more choice, the Focus is set to reaffirm its position as the most desirable model in its segment.

Next October, it celebrates its tenth anniversary with almost 1.2 million registrations in the UK alone and five million cars sold in 80 countries across the globe.

Ford has managed to keep the model fresh with the new car representing another major step forward, though not as groundbreaking as the original but probably a bigger step than many realise.

Ford’s sharper styling makes the Focus a more striking looker. While there are one or two rivals that may be as stylish, when all the facts are considered it is difficult to come up with a compact car that’s fitter for the job of ferrying the family and their luggage.

The good news is that prices remain competitive, starting at £11,945 on the road – just £250 more than the equivalent outgoing model. This represents enhanced customer value given the array of new technology and equipment with the new model.

With fuel prices increasing all the time, it is little wonder that diesel sales have continued to rocket. So it is particularly important that Ford has got its diesel offerings right.

Fortunately, Ford has three cracking oil-burners along with five petrol units with varying outputs so that it offers a wide range of engine options and trims to suit most budgets.

The diesels are just too good to ignore and their strengths help the car to see off some talented and seductive opposition in the sector.

The motors are the 1.6-litre with 80PS and 110PS, the 1.8 with 115PS and the 2.0 with outputs of 110 and 136PS, all complying with the strict Euro 4 emissions level.

For a start, the Focus drives brilliantly in diesel form and possesses superb handling qualities. The steering, clutch and other controls are light, precise and accurate so that the car is a joy to drive around the locality, or far and fast.

The roomy interior has been substantially upgraded and certainly ranks alongside the VW Golf for build quality and design.

Comfort levels are first rate, too, with the impressive cabin offering more room than ever.There is quality trim, attractive detailing and a chunky steering wheel.

The restructured range offers a choice of five trims with the Titanium model, the luxury flagship, priced from £15,445.

This version really shows how luxurious and civilised the Focus can be. The equipment highlights include privacy glass, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto dimming, rear view mirror, a top-class CD sound system, electric rear windows and cooled glove box.

The 2.0-litre TDCi with 136PS and a six-speed manual gearbox is one of the best choices for a blend of pace, refinement and economy.

This diesel is a world apart from the oil burners of yesteryear and for the motorist doing a fairly high mileage this model is an excellent choice. The diesel easily tops 50mpg during everyday driving and well over 60mpg on a run. It had plenty of low-down punch for overtaking and is generally a quick car, boasting a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds. It cruises effortlessly on the motorway.

But the Focus doesn’t rely on performance and driving dynamics alone to win praise. Its long wheelbase provides excellent space, ample rear leg room and a high roof to give plenty of head room. The boot is also surprisingly spacious and it’s these kinds of features than many families look for in a modern hatch.

At-a-glance.

Ford Focus Titanium five-door, 2.0-litre TDCi 136PS six-speed manual.

Price: £18,295 on the road.

Top speed: 126mph.

0-62mph: 9.3 seconds.

Fuel: 51.3mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 144.

Verdict: Focus takes a step upmarket. Brilliant all-rounder, top build quality inside and out, drives and handles superbly.