WHAT could be bad about being a best seller? On the face of it, very little...popularity and success are valued qualities whether referring to people, cars or whatever.
But commonality and familiarity can tend to blunt the appeal, while rarity usually heightens the attractiveness - why else are diamonds so sought after.
And this ubiquitousness has definitely had an adverse effect on the Ford Focus, one of Britain's best selling cars which also happens to be dynamically excellent to drive.
How many people have I heard say ‘I only have a Focus', believing that its popularity somehow weakens its capability.
After a behind the wheel of a new Titanium X Estate for a while, I came to re-appreciate the virtues of a swift and economical family hold-all that goes about its business almost unnoticed.
The Titanium X is the top dog - barring the sporty models - with more toys than young Prince George. The spec includes bi-xenon headlights, rain sensitive wipers, cruise control, electric folding door mirrors and heated front seats.
Adding to the goodies, the test car was also treated to heated steering wheel (£95), blind spot information service (£525) and rear privacy glass (£450). Surprisingly, sat-nav is an extra at £250.
Under the bonnet there's a useful 148bhp turbo diesel engine that allows the spacious estate to bat along like a sports car - 62mph comes up in 8.7 seconds and max is 129mph.
It is smoother and more refined than many diesels with the sort of immediate power delivery that appeals to high mileage users.
Most owners will squeeze around the 50mpg mark out of a gallon. The official combined figure is 70.6mpg. During a drive which took in fast motorway travel and swift commuting, my average was 47mpg.
Emissions have been pegged to just 115g/km which means only a 19 per cent BiK tax band for company car drivers.
Although this Focus is more about comfort than performance, keen drivers will appreciate the sharp steering and feedback along with confident, roll-free cornering.
Despite these sporting qualities the estate soaks up bumps and refuses to be disturbed by poor road surfaces. Ford engineers have managed to reach just about the perfect balance between handling and comfort.
The six-speed manual gearbox is light and fast and the gear lever falls easily to hand. So far, the old-school handbrake has not been replaced an electronic control.
On the practical side, the flat rear area can accommodate 476 litres of cargo. Fold the rear seats down and this expands to 1,516 litres. It's not the biggest load area in its class but the platform is low, making lifting in heavy items easier.
The cabin is sprinkled with places to store oddments and water bottles on the move. Space for four, or even five at a pinch, is reasonable, though legroom in the rear depends on the generosity of those in the front. The facia is smart, well made and driver-orientated.