I had a 2.0 litre Focus Zetec ESP as my company car before I got the
Clio. There isnt really much to compare in handling terms. The Focus did have plenty of grip, but even with only 130bhp it stuggled to put the power down onto the tarmac. Not a problem the Clio has, it just digs in and goes.
The Focus was easy to put into a slide with a good lift mid corner but didnt have the power to pull itself out of it. The Clio is happy to understeer or shift into oversteer with a good lift, and has plenty of power to keep the car in check.
The gearchange on the Clio is much better, but the clutch bite point is a little on the high side. Brakes are fine, they have so far stopped me okay!!
The Clio feels like a go kart.
The Focus was better put together though, and was a obviously a more comfortable ride. You cant have everything, handling or ride quality. The Clio strikes a pretty good balance IMO. Plus its got lots more nice toys over the Focus.
Colour argument time
http://www.cliosport.net/gallery/clio172/1797-3.jpg