THE Ford Focus has beaten off the challenge of £60,000 luxury cars to win the title of Britain's most comfortable car.

The hatchback won the accolade in an independent survey of car comfort and ergonomics run by What Car? magazine.

Automotive ergonomist Dean Southall was drafted in to help carry out the survey, which ranks 50 best-selling models from best to worst.

Cars were assessed for ease of access, driving position and seat comfort, control layout and visibility.

Running behind the Focus in the top ten were Volvo's S80, VW Golf, Ford Mondeo, Alfa 156, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Astra, Fiat Punto and Seicento and the Jaguar S-type. The £6,770 Fiat Seicento SX outpointed a £62,145 Mercedes 430 Limousine.

What Car? editor Steve Fowler said: "It's great to report that a Ford Focus, costing three or four times less than many luxury cars, can be named the most comfortable car in Britain. It shows what can be done with thorough design and detailing."

Story date: Wednesday 08 December

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