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 IT may not be the ultimate off-roader, but the latest member of Ford’s growing Fiesta family has plenty to offer those with an active lifestyle.
Appropriately named the Fiesta Active, the five-door newcomer is, says Ford, SUV-inspired and comes with additional cladding, custom bumpers, unique 17in alloy wheel designs and roof rails to help carry bicycles or sports equipment.
But it’s more than just a cosmetic job. Ride height is raised by 18mm to provide greater ability over rough road tracks and track is increased by 10mm over the standard Fiesta hatchback.
Under the skin, the front shock absorbers have been optimised for light off-road work and feature a new hydraulic rebound stopper to smooth out bumps or jolts when driving over rough surfaces while the suspension geometry has been upgraded with 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, bespoke settings for the springs and shock absorbers.
Powertrain options include Ford’s multi award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering up to 140 PS and 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine offering up to 120 PS. The petrol 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 , engine is available with either six speed manual or six speed auto transmissions, the latter complete with paddle shifters.
The six-speed manual box features three driving modes including a “slippery” setting which adjusts 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 electronic stability and traction control settings for increased confidence on surfaces with reduced grip.
The bespoke interior has sports seats with exclusive materials and designs, leather steering wheel and gearknob plus a voice-activated 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. connectivity and entertainment system with touch screen Bluetooth and twin USB ports also fitted.
The Fiesta Active is one sale now in three trim levels – Active 1, Active B&O PLAY and Active X – with prices starting from £17,995.