2021 Ford Focus Active Edition Mhev 1.0L Petrol · MM21 YML

This 2021 Ford Focus Active Edition MHEV presents a commendably clean roadworthiness profile, with both recorded DVSA examinations returning passes free of advisory notes. The most recent test on 5 June 2025 confirmed this trend, finding no defects or items requiring attention at the time of inspection, and the prior assessment a year earlier on 13 June 2024 produced an identical clean outcome. This consecutive pattern of defect-free passes indicates that the core safety-critical systems examined under the MOT regime, encompassing braking efficiency, suspension condition, steering play, tyre wear, exhaust emissions, lighting, and structural integrity, have all been performing within prescribed limits. The absence of any recurring advisories across two consecutive tests is particularly reassuring for a vehicle of this age, suggesting no chronic wear patterns are developing in areas such as the rear suspension, brake components, or underbody protection that commonly generate advisories on comparable vehicles. With 35,631 miles recorded over approximately five years of service, the vehicle is accumulating mileage at an annual rate of around 7,100 miles, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a family-oriented Active Edition hatchback of this type. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, and no anomalies in the mileage progression that would raise concerns about clocked readings or inconsistent use. This steady, moderate accumulation rate is mechanically favourable, as it implies that consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch material are likely to have experienced proportional but not excessive wear. The mild-hybrid 48-volt system, given its relatively modest additional mechanical complexity over a standard 1.0-litre EcoBoost powertrain, should also have been exercised regularly enough to avoid issues associated with infrequent use of the integrated starter-generator and lithium-ion battery pack. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component history to investigate further, though a thorough physical inspection and test drive remain essential given that the MOT only confirms pass-or-fail status at the moment of test. During a viewing, particular attention should be paid to the areas most likely to show wear on a Focus Active of this age and mileage, namely the rear suspension trailing arms and bushes, which are known to deteriorate on this platform and can produce knocking noises over uneven surfaces. Listen for any clonks or rattles from the rear axle when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and check for uneven tyre wear on the rear wheels which can indicate bush degradation. The test drive should also include firm brake applications to check for pedal judder or pulling, which could suggest warped front discs, and steering should feel precise without excessive play or vibration through the wheel. Given the mild-hybrid configuration, it would be prudent to verify that the engine restarts smoothly and that the 48-volt system's stop-start functionality operates without warning messages on the dashboard, as hybrid system faults can be costly to address. The Active Edition's raised ride height means the underbody should be examined for any signs of impact damage or corrosion, particularly around the suspension subframes and exhaust mounting points, even though no such issues were flagged at test. Check that all tyres are of matching brand, size, and tread depth, as the Active specification typically requires a specific tyre type to preserve its ride and handling characteristics. Finally, confirm the service history documentation aligns with the recorded mileage and includes the specific attention to the mild-hybrid battery cooling system and auxiliary battery condition, as these are items that fall outside the standard MOT scope but are critical to the long-term health of this powertrain.