Ford Focus on next generation
SOME cars are such a part of our motoring lives that when a new version is launched it is a very big deal. So it is with this weeks motor, the all-new for 2018 Ford Focus
Since 1998 Ford has sold more than 16 million Focuses worldwide, which is in part thanks to a reputation for great ride and handling, so this new version has some very big shoes to fill.
For the fourth generation Focus, Ford have pulled out all the stops - improving interior space and quality and adding some cutting-edge technology.
And it really is an all-new car with a new platform engineered to be stiffer, safer in a crash yet lighter than the old Focus - by some 1,325kg for the three-cylinder manual.
It is also not as instantly recognisable as a Focus with the external redesign having cues of Mazda, Mercedes and even BMW - which is probably no bad thing.
The profile is sleeker with a longer bonnet and more rearset screen pillars plus a longer wheelbase. The result is improved aerodynamic drag and reduced wind noise.
Inside a central tablet display does most of the work on the infotainment front with conventional dials ahead of the driver and driver-assist systems are as comprehensive as any car in the class.
The driver is also connected via built-in SIM so the car knows about traffic and can do online destination searches. Plus you can perform various tasks remotely via phone app – finding it, checking fuel, locking and so on. The car also has wi-fi and wireless charging for the latest generation of phones on higher spec models.
Engine-wise the range starts with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost, heavily revised and lifted from the Fiesta, which comes in 85, 100 and 125bhp guises. The bigger 1.5-litre petrol is still a three cylinder, with 150 or 182bhp and can close down one cylinder in Eco mode.
Our Focus 1.5TDCI (EcoBlue) Titanium X auto 120PS had the 1.5 diesel, which is all-new and full of clever fuel-saving engineering. Power is up to 120bhp and there’s a revised 2.0-litre diesel with 150bhp. The auto versions, as our test car, have eight speeds and a BMW-style rotary controller.
The suspension is also all new with a wider track and different set ups depending on the engine size and copes well with the UK’s rutted roads. Top models like the ST-Line get the option of adaptive dampers for the first time in a mainstream Focus.
Motorway cruising is no problem and particular credit goes to the lane assist system (standard across the range) which keeps you bang in the centre of your lane - unlike some other manufacturer’s systems which bounce you from side to side like a pinball!
The also standard emergency auto-braking system is coupled with ‘evasive steering assist’ which nudges the wheel to help you steer away from a collision - clever stuff.
The infotainment screen has a set of hard-key shortcuts, the climate control gets proper knobs and buttons, and several of the driving assist systems also get their own quick-access switches. It’s sensibly laid out with a feeling of quality.
The Ford’s Sync operating system for the eight-inch touch screen has been developed for us here in the UK, so no quirks like in some European versions and it also does CarPlay and Android auto in every trim but the entry-level Style.
The longer wheelbase means more room in the back too and the new shape of the rear doors gives passengers a better view plus a flatter rear floor means more space for the one in the middle.
Every Focus gets alloys, air-con and lane keeping assist plus autonomous emergency braking.
Go to the second trim, Zetec, and you get Apple Carplay/ Android Auto on a 6.5in touchscreen, and cruise. After that you’re into the Titanium levels and the ST-Line has a body kit and stiffer adaptive suspension. The ST-Line X adds power driver’s seat and bigger alloys with red brake callipers.
Our Titanium X has as standard 17” alloy wheels, privacy glass, part leather trim, a 6-way adjustable power driver seat and front and rear parking sensors for the £25,120 on the road price. It also came with £4,490 worth of extras, some of which were more worthwhile than others and included a £995 panoramic glass roof, uprated B&O sound system (£350), wireless phone charging (£100) and LED headlights (£750).
Prices across the range start from £18,100 for the smallest engine Style up to £27,890 on the road for the ST-Line X and if you ask me I would say Ford have another winner on their hands.
More information at www. ford.co.uk