This is it. The all-new 2018-2019 Ford Focus, ready to set the world on fire… or, at least, scare the hell out of the popular small car rivals. Ford claims the new model is the most accomplished and technically-competent Focus ever.
The new model really is all new, built fresh from the ground up using Ford’s new C2 platform. Ford says the switch to this platform has helped to improve safety and crash performance, increase interior space efficiently, and support aerodynamic efficiency.
So, what’s new? What are the main highlights? Well, there’s a Ford-first head-up display system, fully automated parking, predictive curve headlights, and selectable driving modes as standard. There’s also adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition, wireless phone charging, and the latest SYNC 3 infotainment with FordPass Connect and B&O PLAY audio available.
“Our all-new Ford Focus is the pinnacle of technology and driving appeal in its segment,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, product development, Ford of Europe. “The chance to build a completely new car from a fresh piece of paper does not come around often. We grabbed it with both hands, to develop the best mid-size family car that money can buy.”
Under the bonnet the new Focus comes with fresh 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel engines, as well as a 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol. Both of the petrol units come with an industry-first cylinder-deactivation system, not before seen on a three-cylinder engine. These units come with a new eight-speed automatic transmission as well.
The engines produce 63kW, 74kW, and 92kW in the case of the 1.0L EcoBoost, with the 1.5 version offered in 110kW and 134kW tunes. As for the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel, it comes in 70kW and 88kW tunes, both with 300Nm, while the 2.0 EcoBlue develops 110kW and 370Nm.
As for the exterior design, it’s a sleek interpretation of Ford’s latest styling language, offering a drag co-efficient of just 0.250 for the four-door and 0.273 for the five-door hatch. At the front is an active grille shutter as standard, with air-curtain technology for the front wheels, and air separators for the rear bumper bar. There’s also completely new headlights and taillights, bumpers, and trimmings.
Lastly, the interior comes in with a fresh design, with a new centre stack for the dash housing a top-mounted tablet-style touch-screen, climate controls within a neat panel in the middle, while the driver uses a rotary gear selector on the console, near dual cup holders.
To ensure the new Focus covers the complete market segment (and some), Ford is offering the new model in a range of body styles. Buyers will be able to select from wagon, sedan, and hatch, to a new crossover variant called the Active. There’s also a sporty ST-Line package added. Sales are set to commence later this year, with Australian details yet to be confirmed.
UPDATE: Ford Australia has confirmed the new Focus will arrive Down Under late in 2018. Ford Australia CEO and president Graeme Whickman said:
“We already enjoy highly-sophisticated and praised Fords from Europe, which include the current Focus ST and Focus RS models – now, our state of the art plant in Germany will be the single-source for the entire Focus range.”
