WINNER - FORD FOCUS:
The Focus is Ford's biggest global nameplate, and the new Focus certainly raises the bar in the South African midsize segment.
It's a sleek design which the carmaker reckons is the next step in its kinetic design language, and it has a very aerodynamic and athletic stance about it.
The Focus, available in hatch and sedan variants, takes the fight right to the Golf with its classy build quality and dynamic driving characteristics, while the Ford's fresher design might attract buyers becoming bored with VW's relative conservatism.
The interior is plush with modern finishes and the latest technology, and is impressively insulated when driving. The body is stiffer than before and it shows with the crisp handling, while overall build quality inside and out is superb.
Gearchanges are smooth and steering feedback responsive too. All in all a great package.
PRICING: R211 530 - R285 320
*This contest was judged by the motoring journalists of the Independent Newspapers group, representing IOL, Star Motoring, Drive Times, Pretoria News and Mercury Motoring.