Ford Focus Is Scottish Family Car Of The Year

The Ford Focus is "the most complete all-rounder" - that's the verdict of Scotland's top motoring writers, who have named it Family Car of the Year 2005 in the prestigious Scottish Car of the Year Awards.

The award was conferred by the 15 members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. "Fulfilling the needs of all the family is a demanding task and several vehicles came close to taking the top honours," stated the judges. "However, our winner in this tough market segment is the most complete all-rounder and shows how things should be done."

The motoring writers considered the performance, value for money, safety, Scots appeal and other aspects of more than 50 new models, split into seven categories.

The original Ford Focus, along with the Jaguar X- and S-Type and Mazda6, are among previous winners. "Like its predecessor did seven years ago, this car sets the standards for others to follow," ran the citation for the new Focus. "Whether you're after a saloon, hatchback or estate, there's a model to suit your needs.

"Basically, family car buyers have never had it so good."

"This is a fantastic accolade and just confirms that the all-new Ford continues to set the standard in the fiercely competitive compact family car segment," said a Ford spokesman. The presentation was made before 200 people attending the SCotY Awards ceremony at St Andrews Bay Resort. The annual event is also a major charity fund-raiser.