The previous generation Focus was rather dull in my opinion and it was only the sporty ST model that was really worth getting.

Ford Motor Company of South Africa this week launched the all-new Focus in South Africa, and while it seems to bring better looks and an array of high-tech features to the highly competitive C-segment table, I can't help but wonder whether it has what it takes to make a lasting impression in this market. After driving the car in the Western Cape, it's clear as daylight that the new Focus is most definitely worth focusing on.

The new Ford Focus has been styled in accordance with Ford's latest Kinetic Design platform, incorporating things like the prominent three-piece front air intake bumper, steeply raked windshield and a rising beltline that lend the car a very sporty and masculine image. The rear of the hatchback is, in my opinion, still better looking than that of the sedan, as a whole looking much more attractive and considerably sportier. With some of the design characteristics of the current Fiesta carried over to that of the Focus, those who still find the Fiesta attractive will most likely love the Focus too.

As with most new cars brought to market, the interior has been redesigned and, again, shares similar features to the current Fiesta. The cockpit is now decidedly more driver-focused and features various soft-touch materials thoughout. It's offered with more buttons on the central command console than the Death Star itself which, in my case, I love. The Focus is also offered with Fords new HMI (Human Machine Interface) with a 25-way toggle control that encompasses various vehicle and infotainment functions.

Because of the different specification levels, the 'Sport' model, for example, features piano black inserts around all the buttons, which is a very nice touch. On the other two derivatives, however, these are replaced with a silver plastic insert which, in my opinion, could have been executed better. In fact, to be brutally honest, the dashboard was a slight let down for me. Sure, it has everything you could possibly want, but it just feels as if it was put together very quickly and without much care. Some niggly things got to me. Slight gaps here and there. However, considering the car's pricing, it's slightly easier to overlook.

The engine line-up in the new Focus includes an all-new 2.0-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) petrol engine that combines high-pressure direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). This unit develops 125 kW of power and 202 Nm of torque while returning an average fuel consumption figure of 6.7-litres/100 km. My co-driver and I took up a very painful challenge on the launch rouet and managed to get that figure down to an impressive 5.8-litres/100km.

Ford's 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi common-rail turbodiesel engine has been extensively re-developed to offer significant increases in power and torque compared to the outgoing model. In this iteration, the updated powerplant delivers 120 kW of power and 340 Nm of torque. Average fuel consumption for this model is a claimed 5.3-litres/100 km with carbon emissions of 139 g/km. Both 2.0-litre units are mated to the latest version of Ford's 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

The entry-level engine is a 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol unit. Developing 92 kW of power and 159 Nm of torque, this unit is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and returns 6.0-litres/100 km whilst emitting 139 g/km.

On the ride and handling side of things the Focus has improved NVH suppression thanks to the car's underpinnings being 30% more torsionally rigid than the previous model. The new Focus is also very safe thanks to advanced safety features offered on all models, including a Torque Vectoring Control system, which acts in a similar manner to a limited-slip diff to reduce understeer, as well as a revised Control Blade rear suspension and optimised electric power steering. While driving around on the meandering roads of the Western Cape I got a real feel for the car and found it surprisingly dynamic and sporty, as a whole offering a very fun driving experience.

The new Ford Focus is offered with a choice of four- and five door models with three engine derivatives, three specification levels (Ambiente, Trend and Sport) and two transmissions, a 5-speed manual and a silky smooth PowerShift automatic.

The Ford Focus range comprises the 1.6 Ambiente 5-speed Manual (R208 400) and the 1.6 Trend 5-speed Manual (R226 400) in hatch and sedan, the 2.0 GDi Trend 5-speed Manual hatchback (R241 800), the 2.0 GDi Trend 6-speed PowerShift sedan (R264 300), the 2.0 GDi Sport 5-speed Manual (R266 400) and the 2.0 TDCi Trend 6-speed PowerShift sedan (R281 100). This is the only diesel model in the line-up and also the most expensive model in the Focus range, although no reason was given for this. All models come standard with a four-year/120 000km warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan, as well as a three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan. Service intervals are 20 000 km for both petrol and diesel derivatives.

Looked at holistically, Ford's new Focus in a very impressive car. It offers great comfort and features along with a sporty ride and good looks, but it's not perfect. In fact, I doubt whether Volkswagen is worrying about Golf 6 sales possibly being lost to the Focus. But then again, I have quite an affinity for the Golf. What is very clear however is that the Focus can no longer be ignored. It's undoubtedly the best one yet.