Ford unveils all-new high-tech Focus

Ford has revealed details of its all-new Focus, which is due to go on sale later this year. Twenty years after the Focus first hit our roads, Ford says the latest model is the “most innovative, dynamic and exciting Ford ever”. The 2018 Focus is new from the ground up and is the first model to be built on Ford’s C2 platform, which is designed to offer enhance crash protection, aerodynamics for better economy and more interior space without negatively affecting the car’s exterior dimensions. Alongside regular trim levels, the Focus will follow the Fiesta’s lead by offering sporty St-line and luxury Vignale specifications as well as an Focus Active crossover. The new Focus gets Ford’s 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol in three tunes - 84bhp, 99bhp and 124bhp - as well as the new 1.5-litre Ecoboost in 148bhp and 180bhp outputs. There are also two diesel engines - a 1.5-litre in 94 or 118bhp tunes, and a 148bhp 2.0-litre. Alongside the new engines, the Focus gets a host of advanced driver assistance technology including adaptive cruise control enhanced with stop and go, speed sign recognition and lanecentring, an adaptive front lighting system, and active park assist that can operate gear selection as well as acceleration and braking to enable fully-automated manoeuvres. Inside, the new cabin has been simplified and more soft-touch materials introduced to give a more upmarket feel while the longer wheelbase creates more room for rear passengers. The new Focus goes on sale this September priced from £17,930 for the Focus Style - £2,300 cheaper than the model it replaces. Focus Zetec and St-line are also cheaper than outgoing models. The range tops out at £25,450 for the new Focus Vignale.