Not a focus but a C-Max. Agree about the turbo lag on the focuses but at the same time, lesser afflicted diesels that I've driven have been more gutless. Given how pokey the 2.0TDCi is in this size car, yet still returns 45 mpg around Bristol, 50mpg on long hauls – I love it!
Only MPV-type thing I've driven that felt like driving a car, and a good one at that – the handling belies the hulk of the thing. (Aside from the Seat Altea but it's just a chubby car and doesn't swallow enough gear)
My only complaint is running costs – when shit goes wrong it's expensive (but this is my first 'modern' car so probably not specific to this car), had two minor things go wrong (car didn't actually break down) but cost was crazy to fix – thankfully both warrantied.
Build quality of C-Max is not that of the normal focus – drivers door has uneven panel gaps (don't worry, car history was sound) and although it seems to be quiet now the weather is cold, the interior is a bit rattly and squeaky for my liking in warmer weather.
Although I had two things go wrong – neither were functionally preventative and I went a month before fixing them at my leisure – it has been reliable. I was worried it wasn't going to start this morning but after a 5 sec turnover it fired right up.
Would I buy again – probably – but if I wasn't forced to buy quickly (head gasket went on old car and we had a week to get something) I'd prob hold out for a Focus Estate.