Ford focuses on tech
Ford has launched an all-new Focus with a lot of new tech and a growly three-cylinder engine. Will it be enough to tempt buyers back from SUVs, asks
Marked with a solid reputation but rarely in the limelight, the Ford Focus has finally come back from renewal but against a fleet of fresh rivals. Despite a mob of safety-packed and stylish competitors in front, the Focus has a few extra cards up its sleeve.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
A small car to compete against the likes of the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla, the Ford Focus will be the freshest rival among this crowd until the new Mazda3 arrives sometime next year.
But even when it does, the Focus has one of the most interesting lineups in the segment, with a hatchback, wagon and off-road inspired Active hatch on offer, the addition of which adds more space and useability into a compact frame with a new, economical but punchy petrol engine that might just tap into the downsizing SUV buyer.
Four models and two body styles will hit New Zealand shores, with the entry level Trend being available in hatch and wagon form, while the sporty ST-Line and jacked-up pretend-SUV-styled Active hatches take up the middle ground, and the Titanium hatch topping the range.
All Focus hatches are powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (the wagon gets a
2.0-litre turbo diesel that punches out 110kW and 370Nm) and come with basic safety assist systems including AEB with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist,
180-degree rear-view camera, postimpact braking system and parking sensors.
Unlike previous Thai-sourced models, the new Focus is German made, but that doesn’t make it impervious to skipping corners as some of the cabin plastics are thin and hard where there are no touch points and the seats feel a bit thin. While there was a run of problems with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic from 2010-2016 it has been replaced with a new eightspeed automatic that’s managed by a rotary controller. Otherwise, all of the doors and panel gaps appear consistent and solid and the amount of Focuses still on roads are a bit of an indicator of longevity.
Built all-over-again from the ground up and pushing out its dimensions slightly while also lowering weight, the result is a spacious and good-to-drive small car that has more room than ever before, with a 50mm longer wheelbase that increases leg, knee and shoulder room.
It’s also quieter, with Ford claiming it is less noisy than the average competitor, due to a stiffer chassis with higher use of ultra-high-strength steel and an isolated subframe.
There’s no doubt it feels airier inside, with the dash pushed 100mm further forward and liberating the front occupants from feeling squashed in. The rear-seat also gets a decent amount of room and small kids won’t have an issue if this is the daily ride.
And it’s the simple things that make life easier with Qi wireless mobile charging and good connectivity through the infotainment system.
Where did you drive it?
The Australasian launch took place in Melbourne, heading out and around the city of roads that are very reminiscent of Kiwi ones.
The Focus splits itself apart further in the fourth-generation, with every Focus variant getting a unique suspension tune with further improvement to driver input such as steering feel and throttle response mapping.
The rear twist beam axle is a simple arrangement, though it gains tech from Ford’s own hatchback kings, like force vectoring springs used in the Fiesta ST, and the extruded foam stiffened beam of the previous-gen Focus RS. It leaves the new Focus with a squarer footprint when cornering and better grip.
The new-generation 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is a compact engine, especially in the larger wagon, but it’s efficient and energetic with torque building early on and moving things along nicely. It needs to rev when working hard but the three-pot develops a pleasing off-beat resonance on throttle that suits the ST-Line’s modest sporty intentions.
It’s also a great match to urban environments, with quick pick-up off the line and no lag to get going, even at cruising speeds.
What’s the pick of the range?
Beyond a touch-up in appearance, the ST-Line is also fun to drive, thanks to a bespoke suspension tune and an energetic engine.
On a wet slippery mountain pass, the ST-Line howled along with a simple but pleasing threecylinder thrum, eager to push on though changing gears without input – even in manual mode – once high up the rev range. The steering is responsive and quick, communicating well and adjusting attitude only slightly (and not too artificially) in sport mode.
And the brakes are strong but fell prey to fading on a long descent where the expected performance upgrades of the ST and RS will shine better.
However, nothing should be taken away from the fun the STLine gives, with a good ride and fun dynamics that are equally suitable for day-to-day commuting.
Why would I buy it?
The fourth-gen Focus is a continuation on form but with essential upgrades. The added safety technology is a big positive, though completely expected in 2018, and it’s the fuel efficient but positive feeling engine and dynamics that give the Focus a chance to standout, albeit in a very competitive field.
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
You are waiting for that sexy new Mazda3.