Five star rating for Ford’s new Focus
FORD has received an added boost for the new car registrations this September with confirmation that the all-new Focus has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP rating meaning its one of the safest new models in its sector.
It follows a series of severe tests by the independent crash testing authority who give top marks for the new Focus, now out on sale, for its standard safety features that include pre-collision warning and both pedestrian and cyclist detection across the whole new range of hatchback and estate cars.
The Focus, still the third best selling car in the UK so far this year, is now built on a new platform with suspension, engine and chassis tweaks underneath over the outgoing model that gives a better ride for passengers, it’s more refined and quieter, too, and there’s more interior space for passengers.
With a sleeker looking body, there’s a wide range of engines on offer, with three different outputs from their award-winning, three-cylinder Ecoboost petrol engine – 84bhp, 99bhp and 123bhp – plus a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with either 148bhp or 180bhp.
Diesel choices include a new 1.5-litre with either 94bhp or 188bhp plus a two-litre 148bhp.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the whole new Focus range, plus there’s an eight-speed automatic gearbox available on the 123bhp and 148bhp petrol and the 118bhp diesel.
Standard equipment across the range has been vastly improved too, with even the Style models gaining air conditioning, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, emergency brake assist, hill start and lane-keeping aid.
Move up the range and this standard list continues to grow.
Prices start at £17,930 for the entry-level Style hatchback (£2,300 less than the outgoing model) with Zetec prices starting at £19,300, sportier ST-Line starting at £21,570 , Titanium spec starting at £21,550 and top of the range Vignale at £25,450.
For the first time, too, Ford is introducing their first ever crossover Focus model with this new, fourth generation called the Active which again will be available early in 2019 as both a five-door hatchback and estate.
These versions will sit 30mm higher giving more ground clearance for off-road scenarios and will have cladding and protective mouldings plus front and rear scratch plates and overall a more rugged design look.