2nd Ford Focus Active

Can a (slightly) more rugged version of this top-selling hatchback really compete with an SUV?

FORD’S C2 platform already makes the Focus great to drive, and the changes to this Active model’s chassis have no ill effect on that.

The ride height has been raised, there’s a bespoke chassis configuration with specific tuning for the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as the front and rear suspension knuckles – the latter indicates that, in the same way as the Kia, it has multi-link rear suspension (hence why both ride quite nicely and offer decent control and feedback from the chassis for raised-up cars) although neither is four-wheel drive.

The Ford’s 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine is rated at 118bhp, so it’s less powerful than the Kia’s engine, but its 300Nm of torque is more than the XCeed generates. However, the Ford’s gearing is much longer, so the engine is doing 1,800rpm at 70mph compared with the 2, 250rpm of the Kia, so while it keeps the noise down, there’s a price to be paid in acceleration. It dashed from 30mph to 50mph in 4.1 seconds, 0. 2 seconds behind the Kia, but in other increments it was further behind. The 9.3-second 0-60mph run was good, though.

However, neither of these cars is about the last word in performance, which is where the Ford feels slightly at odds with itself.

The base Focus is a great-steering and handling car, and while this Active is no different, offering similar precision and poise, the same subtle problems that afflict the standard Focus are also present in this Active version.

The car mostly rides well, but the set-up is firmer than the Kia’s, which means ridges throw it around a little more, so it’s a good job the damping is smooth and well controlled, even if it isn’t as soft and forgiving as the Kia. Just a little more softening of the set-up might have been nice.

Otherwise, the Focus isn’t all that much different from the standard car, because roll is controlled well despite the higher ride height and it doesn’t feel at all like an SUV to drive – because it isn’t.

The driving position reflects this by allowing you to get low in the car. It’s relatively comfortable, and while the interior is mostly good, it just lacks the last little bit of quality compared with the Kia.

There’s nothing wrong with the Ford’s eight-inch touchscreen set-up, but the XCeed’s infotainment tech is more cutting-edge.

In Active X trim you get plenty of equipment though, including sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless operation, part-leather heated seats, climate control, front and rear parking sensors and a panoramic roof.