47. Ford Focus Mk4 82.80%
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION 2018
KEY POINTS The Focus is destined for the chop, and the scores reflect a lack of appeal
THE Mk4 Ford Focus was designed to look a little bit sportier than the model it replaced, and it came with greatly updated tech and a luxury Vignale trim. Owners don’t appear to have engaged much with the styling, and driving pleasure is rated in a lowly 48th place.
A 27th spot for rear-seat legroom is the Focus’s best subcategory rating, followed by 34th for servicing costs. Boot space is close behind, and the Ford is 38th for its audio systems and 41st for the balance between physical and touchscreen controls. But it’s one place off the bottom for reliability and quality. Focus production will end next year.
YOUR VIEW
46. Ford Fiesta Mk7 84.74%
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION 2017
KEY POINTS Gone and remembered fondly by some, but maybe not its owners
THE Fiesta’s long life ended last summer, although deliveries continued long enough to justify its inclusion in the 2024 Driver Power survey results. The scores aren’t great, however, and the shortage of warmth from owners perhaps goes some way to justifying the car’s demise.
Its greatest virtues in respondents’ eyes are running costs and value for money, with fuel economy ranked 21st, and value 35th. Owners quite like the sat-nav (30th) and the provision of interior storage (28th), but after that it’s hard to find highlights. The Fiesta performs very poorly for gearbox smoothness (46th) and exterior styling (47th).
YOUR VIEW
45. Volkswagen Tiguan Mk2 84.81%
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION 2016
KEY POINTS Conservatively styled and not fun to drive, but practicality scores are decent
VOLKSWAGEN’S Tiguan Mk2 is another model heading towards the used-car lots, but unlike Ford’s Fiesta and Focus, a new generation of this big-selling SUV is already upon us. This second-generation Tiguan was launched in 2016 and given infotainment upgrades and revised styling in 2020. But the VW finishes last (50th) for exterior design.
Owners don’t find it great to drive, but it’s the first of our tail-enders to demonstrate some significant positive feedback from owners, ranking sixth for cabin storage, eighth for rear legroom and 14th for seating versatility. But the VW isn’t rated as great value for money, coming 45th.
YOUR VIEW
44. Audi A4 Mk5 85.03%
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION 2016
KEY POINTS The ageing Audi A4 fails to really sparkle in any Driver Power category
THE A4 was facelifted in 2020 with almost every body panel updated, and our respondents drive petrol and diesel cars in almost equal numbers, but with a slight bias to the latter. Diesel frugality lifts the economy and running-cost category ranking to 18th, and there’s a mid-table score for value.
Driving pleasure ranks 15th, in spite of much lower scores for ride quality, steering response and handling. It’s not clear from any other category results why owners love being behind the wheel – could it simply be the premium allure of the Audi badge? That said, overall quality ranks only 37th, while reliability is down in 46th position.
YOUR VIEW
43. Audi A1 Mk2 85.11%
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION 2019
KEY POINTS Humdrum scores mark A1 out as a less-than-inspiring ownership proposition
IN spite of its premium feel, the smallest Audi in the line-up only manages to scrape into the top half of our survey in a couple of sub-categories, ranking 17th for drivetrain smoothness and 18th for visibility from the front seat.
Front-seat comfort is only 36th, though, while interior quality and finish is 45th, one place ahead of the A1’s score for exterior style. Ride quality and braking responsiveness/smoothness are 48th and driving pleasure 47th. Value for money isn’t great, at 42nd, but owners quite like the safety systems and the sat-nav, which are ranked 26th and 27th respectively. Practicality is definitely not a strong point.
YOUR VIEW
42. Nissan Qashqai Mk3 85.30%
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION 2021
KEY POINTS There are decent powertrain and practicality scores for the Qashqai
THE first Qashqai to arrive as a hybrid, the third-generation model scores best for its powertrain sound in 12th place, and gearbox smoothness in 23rd. In fact the British-built car’s overall powertrain category ranking is 23rd, too.
It can’t manage anything else in the top half of the poll, but 26th spot for both ride quality and driving pleasure is respectable. Things go gently downhill from there, with 28th for rear-seat legroom, 30th for front-seat visibility and 31st for boot space. Sat-nav is 34th, switchgear user-friendliness 36th and value for money
