We’ve all been waiting for the 10th of April to come and the day is finally here! Meet the new Ford Focus. It has been a family-owners best friend, as it comes with practicality, storage, but also the looks. With it being the Focus’s 20th anniversary, they’ve celebrated with a major makeover, including more tech and a great range of trim options to choose from.
Volkswagen has been a major competitor for Ford for years, as they achieved 2nd place in the UK’s new car registration tables with the Golf in 2017. Whilst, arrivals like the Kia Ceed and Toyota Auris not being that far behind. However, Ford has made their comeback this year with this new Focus.
How many variations will there be? We’ve had sources tell us, there will be in total four trim variations. Ford will offer it in an ST-Line trim – this has suspension 10mm lower than the standard car and an Active-badged near-crossover variant, this sits 30mm higher than standard. For the upper market taste, Ford has catered to you with their Vignale specification. However, if you would rather stick to the standard range – they will offer the regular Titanium trim level.
What changes have been made to the standard model? Design Manager, Jordan Bennett states that “Proportionally the Focus has matured a lot. The cabin sits a lot further back compared to the older car and the A-pillars are slanted backwards. Add in the longer bonnet and there’s a more powerful look. This is enhanced on the high-spec cars; if you go for a Focus with larger wheels, it eats up more sheet metal, allowing the car to sit better. The Focus is now lower and wider than before; we have been able to achieve all the good metrics of car design while offering more space. We’ve played around with concave shapes, moving into really very crisp lines. The theme of the car is simple – there’s one line from the bumper that stretches back and disappears into the rear door. We’ve tried to replicate a traditional sports car with its squat stance and pouncing rear haunches.”
What changes have been made to the standard model? Design Manager, Jordan Bennett states that “Proportionally the Focus has matured a lot. The cabin sits a lot further back compared to the older car and the A-pillars are slanted backwards. Add in the longer bonnet and there’s a more powerful look. This is enhanced on the high-spec cars; if you go for a Focus with larger wheels, it eats up more sheet metal, allowing the car to sit better. The Focus is now lower and wider than before; we have been able to achieve all the good metrics of car design while offering more space. We’ve played around with concave shapes, moving into really very crisp lines. The theme of the car is simple – there’s one line from the bumper that stretches back and disappears into the rear door. We’ve tried to replicate a traditional sports car with its squat stance and pouncing rear haunches.”
What’s it like under the bonnet? Ford tried to make the attempt to retain some of the previous model’s fun-to-drive DNA; therefore, they have inputted the Mk4 on Ford’s new C2 platform and most models feature an independent rear suspension and include Continuously Controlled Damping. This system helps monitor suspension, body, steering and braking inputs and adjusts the damping for the best ride comfort.New driving modes too? Ford has hit a home-run with their new Focus, as they introduce new driving modes: Normal, Sport and Eco; although, they have torque vectoring features, too. They claim that their new electric power steering is a sharper and more responsive than it has been in the past.
Safety kit improvement as well? Ford rivals like the VW Golf, contain luxurious and top-level safety gadgets to ensure driver safety is seen as their top priority. In the Focus, you’ll be able to specify with Level 2 autonomy due to Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system, which includes: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring. There is also other driver aids Evasive Steering Assist, Blind Spot monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert and Wrong Way Alert, plus there’s Ford MyKey, inflatable seatbelts and Post-Collision Braking. Finally, there are improved versions of Active Park Assist and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, too.
Additionally, for the first time – Ford buyers can have full-LED headlights with a matrix function to prevent dazzling other drivers. An added benefit that comes with these specific lights, is that the beam can widen at junctions, therefore improving better visibility.
Additionally, for the first time – Ford buyers can have full-LED headlights with a matrix function to prevent dazzling other drivers. An added benefit that comes with these specific lights, is that the beam can widen at junctions, therefore improving better visibility.
In terms of technology, what does the Ford Focus offer? The Focus can be ordered with a “super-bright” head-up display – Ford says this is the only system on the market that can be read by drivers wearing polarised glasses. All UK Focus models will receive Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system which incorporates an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. The Focus also introduces the brand’s new FordPass Connect system that includes a WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices and Live updates for the sat-nav.When is it available to buy? It’s due on sale in July with prices from around £20,500 and is coming in two bodystyles in the UK: five-door hatchback and estate.
To conclude, we cannot wait until this model hits the market in the Summer. Let the battle of the hatchbacks commence.
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