New Ford Focus

That leaves a 2.0-litre diesel, available from $30,500, as the only turbocharged engine on offer, and the pick of the bunch.

Mated to Ford’s smooth-shifting ‘Powershift’ transmission as standard where the dual-clutch auto is optional on the five-speed-manual petrols, it’s pleasantly quiet at idle and the usual loud clatter associated with small-cylinder diesels never materials as speeds rise.

The diesel’s refinement is reflected in other myriad improvements for all models. Tyre and wind noise is noticeably reduced, and the Focus’s ride, while a supple affair previously, now absorbs bumps with even less fuss after engineers tweaked the carry-over suspension.

And the Focus’s class-leading dynamics? Well, still there, though we didn’t unearth them in full guise until we hit winding roads in the base model. The diesel versions have a front end that is less eager to turn into corners than its petrol counterparts, penalised by an engine that puts an extra 80kg over the nose, and the Titanium’s big, 18-inch tyres do a great job of sticking the Focus to the road without leaving room for much playfulness.

The base model doesn’t get the slightly firmer sports suspension of either the Sport or Titanium trims, though it does get the same torque vectoring system that helps to pull it around corners by constantly altering the amount of power being distributed to each front wheel.

Yet the lesser grip from its smaller, 16-inch tyres conversely shows the Focus’s beautifully balanced handling in its best light. The steering, a Focus highlight in previous models, is now electric, though while it doesn’t feel as fluid as before it is highly accurate.

The driving position is also excellent, complemented by supremely comfortable seats and good vision. The rear bench is also one that gives the impression the designers also cared about rear seat comfort, while a tall passenger can fit behind a tall driver even if it’s on the snug side.

Interior design hasn’t been the Focus’s strongest suit since it debuted in 1998, but the third generation makes great strides here to add to the model’s greater maturity. It doesn’t look as classy as the Golf’s cabin but it’s also less conservative, with Ford’s ‘kinetic’ design language making a welcome transition from (the improved) exterior to the interior.

Combine the cabin comfort and the loping ride, and the Focus is now a car you’d happily travel in for hundreds of kilometres without fear of fatigue.

If you can afford the range-topping Titanium model that starts at $32,590, you also get a system that will automatically steer you into a parallel parking spot. Regardless of where it’s produced, the Focus is better made than ever.