THIS IS THE all-new, fourth generation Ford Focus which offer buyers the most extensive choice of model variants yet.
Underpinning the Focus is a new platform that has enabled engineers to create a car that is not only more spacious inside, but claims to add more refinement too. The wheelbase grows by 53mm resulting in more space inside the cabin.
In particular, rear passengers benefit the most thanks to more knee room and better visibility due to the car’s new C-pillar design. Boot space also increases by 25 litres.
Perhaps the most significant change to the cabin is the improvement in quality. Both the design and materials throughout take a big step forward. A freestanding eight-inch touchscreen system uses Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment software in addition to offering smartphone mirroring for Android and Apple devices.
There will be the familiar Zetec and Titanium specification grades, but from there the range splits into three different directions. The ST-Line gives the Focus a more performance-themed styling with a 10mm reduction in ride height. Its interior differs slightly by way of darker materials and contrasting red stitching throughout.
For those who like to get out of the city sometimes, the Focus Active model brings more rugged styling to the five-door hatchback. Featuring hard-wearing plastic cladding around the wheelarches and bumpers, the Focus Active also sits 30mm taller than the regular car. Different upholstery in the cabin is in keeping with the Active’s image.
Ford is hoping to take a bite of the premium hatch segment with the introduction of the Focus Vignale. Like existing Vignale models, this features a more upmarket look including a unique grille, front bumpers with brushed aluminium inserts and fancy alloy wheels. Higher quality leather upholstery on the seats compliment the car’s improved cabin design and leave it looking quite smart.
All versions of the new Focus will be available in estate form, which offers improvements to load space and a boot capacity of 1,653 litres.
All cars will be available with Ford’s latest technology and driver assistance systems. Three-cylinder petrol engines in 1.0 and 1.5-litre capacities will provide five different power outputs ranging from 85 to 182hp. The 1.5-litre will feature a cylinder-deactivation system that can automatically shut off one of the three cylinders when the engine isn’t under load to reduce emissions and help save fuel.
On the diesel front, Ford will offer the Focus with a 1.5 and 2.0-litre power unit, providing a wide range of power from 95 to 150hp. Both six-speed manual and new eight-speed automatic transmissions will be available, and Ford claims an overall improvement in fuel economy of 10 per cent across the range.
The new Ford Focus will arrive in Ireland in August and prices will be announced nearer the launch date.
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