It was on this day in 1999 that the new Ford Focus received a ringing endorsement from the industry when it beat off intense competition to win that year's prestigious European Car of The Year Award.

The compact family car - which had succeeded the phenomenally popular Ford Escort the previous year - beat the Vauxhall Astra into second place. Ironic perhaps, considering the huge rivalry which has developed between same the two vehicles ever since.

Praised for its bold, new-edge styling and refined handling, the first generation Focus created a huge buzz from the outset and, following its European Car of The Year award, it quickly became Britain’s best-selling vehicle the following year.

Three generations of the Focus have since followed - all of them well-received - and, though it hasn’t topped Britain’s annual best-sellers list for a decade, its strong North American sales book have helped it remain among the best three selling vehicles in the world.

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