Ford Focus mk1 Polycarbonate Windows

The Ford Focus Mk1 wasn’t just another small car, it was a revolution. Launched in 1998, it replaced the aging Ford Escort, and from the moment it hit the roads, it was clear that Ford had ripped up the rulebook and started fresh. Gone were the uninspiring designs and dull handling of the past. Instead, the Focus was a bold, sharp, and incredibly well-engineered hatchback that completely redefined what a small car could be.
At a time when most hatchbacks were simple, functional, and a little bit boring, the Focus arrived with cutting-edge design, advanced engineering, and driving dynamics that left the competition in the dust. Its bold styling, with a sloping roofline, angular headlights, and the now-iconic “New Edge” design language, made it stand out from the crowd. But it wasn’t just about looks, underneath, it packed some serious performance credentials.
The Focus Mk1 introduced Ford’s legendary Control Blade rear suspension, a sophisticated multi-link setup usually found in high-end sports cars. This gave it unbelievable handling for a front-wheel-drive hatchback, making it one of the sharpest and most engaging small cars to drive. Whether on tight back roads or on a high-speed motorway run, the Focus felt planted, agile, and incredibly responsive, a trait that quickly made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Ford didn’t waste time proving the Focus’s potential on the rally stage. Enter the Ford Focus WRC, which made its debut in 1999 as a replacement for the Escort RS Cosworth. With all-wheel drive, a turbocharged 2.0L engine, and rally-bred suspension, it became a serious contender in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Piloted by Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, and later Markko Märtin, the Focus WRC secured multiple victories and cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with. The car was fast, aggressive, and spectacular to watch, often flying over jumps and sliding through corners with perfect precision.
For road-going enthusiasts, Ford delivered something special in 2002, the Focus RS Mk1. This wasn’t just a warmed-up hot hatch; it was a proper, rally-inspired performance machine. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0L Duratec engine producing 212 horsepower, it was one of the most hardcore front-wheel-drive cars of its time. Unlike most hot hatches, the RS wasn’t built for comfort, it had a mechanical limited-slip differential, ultra-stiff suspension, and a raw, aggressive character that made it a true driver’s car.
Even in standard form, the Focus Mk1 was miles ahead of the competition. From the base models to the sporty 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec variants, it was a car that made even the daily commute feel fun. It was comfortable, practical, and fuel-efficient, but also sharp, playful, and genuinely rewarding to drive, a rare combination in a mass-market hatchback.
The Focus Mk1 changed the game. It showed that a small car could be both affordable and exhilarating, proving that driving fun wasn’t reserved for expensive sports cars. It paved the way for future generations of hot hatches, setting a new benchmark for how a front-wheel-drive car should handle.
Today, the Focus Mk1 is recognised as one of Ford’s greatest achievements, a car that reshaped the hatchback market, dominated in rallying, and introduced the world to the legendary RS badge. Whether in WRC trim, RS spec, or even a well-maintained standard model, the Mk1 Focus is a reminder of a time when Ford took a bold risk, and absolutely nailed it.