FORD’S new Focus will head into battle with the Vauxhall Astra with a clear advantage in residual values according to the latest figures from CAP Monitor.

Predicted residual values for the Focus will range from a best of 38% over three years/60,000 miles for the entry-level three-door 1.4 Studio, compared to 35% for the new three-door Astra 1.4 Expression.

The Euro IV compliant version of the 110bhp five-door Focus 1.6 TDCi is expected to retain 36% of its asking price compared to 32% for the 100bhp Astra 1.7 CDTi Club. However, the Volkswagen Golf retains 41% of its value in entry-level three-door 1.4 S trim, while the entry-level turbodiesel – the 1.9 TDI S – retains 40%.