Ford Focus FAQ (2018)
It's attractive, fast, box-fresh and rapidly gaining online exposure. So for quick, clear facts, I've answered your most Frequently Asked Questions.
Lift your head up and you can almost smell the box-fresh scent of Fords latest hot-hatch; the Focus. For months rumours have been circling, enthusiasts have been debating, and Ford-fans have been saving-up for the latest model which was released only this morning. And it hasn't arrived quietly...Within a matter of hours journalists and car fans have been spreading the word on the hotly-anticipated release.
Naturally, you'll want to learn all you can and see some cool pics of it but finding a good place to start online is a little overwhelming...So with the sleek new hot-hatch rapidly gaining exposure, I figured 'if you can't beat them, join them' and answered some of the most important questions.
Photo credit: autoexpress.co.uk
Why is it so special?
As one of the most beloved car manufacturers, any Ford will always be hotly-anticipated (well except maybe the B-max) and as we all know, us car enthusiasts love a hot-hatch - especially a Focus. But this isn't just any Ford release... The Focus has just been given a complete design overhaul to coincide with the models 20th anniversary and marks the introduction of a new era for the Focus. It also has some serious competition to beat, most notably the Volkswagen Golf, so Ford were likely to have pulled out all the stops to make the new Focus a beast. That notoriously means more style, more technology and hopefully, more power.
Is it attractive?
Short and simple answer - yes.
The updated exterior design is notably sleeker and more refined than models previous. One comment I read this morning likened the body to that of a Kia and while that may be upsetting for Ford, it's not exactly wrong. But the beloved body as we know it hasn't been lost entirely, its just been cleverly updated to offer more space and a better ride.
Photo credit: autoexpress.co.uk
The front pillars have been pushed back and the car is now lower and wider; resulting in a cabin that is more spacious than previous models. The sides are curved and stylishly sporty. And, the front bonnet is also now longer, giving the Focus a fiercer, more aggressive look. Overall, it's a success. And the bigger size hasn't come at a cost as the Ford is only 18mm longer and therefore, still a breeze to park. However, the model will only be available in 5-doors.
Jordan bennett (Design manager) - AutoexpressThe cabin sits a lot further back compared to the old car and the A-pillars are slanted backwards. Add in the longer bonnet and there’s a more powerful look
If the exterior is different, what about underneath?
Also brand-new. The new focus on built on the newly developed C2 platform.
Way back in 1998, the Focus was equipped with an impressive 'control blade' independent rear suspension, which was not only rare at the time but made the car super-fun to drive. For its 20th anniversary, Ford wanted the Focus to recover some of the fun of its legendary ancestor and started by developing a brand-new chassis from the ground-up. This has also contributed to making the car more spacious, stiffer and stronger, not to mention lighter.
The Focus is also equipped with new adaptive damper technology known as Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) which monitors suspension, body, steering and braking inputs and adjusts the damping accordingly for the best ride comfort whether you're on a perfectly tarmacted road or a highly imperfect potholed one. James May would be proud.
Photo credit: autoexpress.co.uk
Tell me about POWERRRR..
Initially, owners will have the choice of the usual four engines: two petrol and two diesel.
Both petrols will be turbocharged three-cylinders, complete with the first technology of it's sort; a cylinder deactivation system which improves economy when used for light use. The smallest, Fords I-litre Ecoboost is available in 84bhp, 99bhp and 123bhp options. For those who desire something bigger, there's the all new 1.5 litre EcoBoost (first seen on the upcoming Fiesta ST) in 148 or 179bhp. The Diesel options are a 1.5 litre with 94 or 118bhp and the more impressive, 148bhp 2-litre.
All of this power is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with larger options having the option of an eight-speed automatic. And much to the drivers delight, the power steering is said to be sharper and more responsive, making this power a lot more fun to handle.
Is it well equipt?
YES. Surprisingly well.
The Focus features all of the latest and most-beloved features, and then some. Start/stop ignition, the latest Ford Sync3 Infotainment system, and a generous amount of driver aids such as sign recognition and lane-centering come as standard with the new Co-Pilot360 system. Not to mention, front and side raders, front camera, 12 ultrasonic sensors, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, FordPass connect system, and the latest Apple and Android connectivity, oh and a phone app - that's right an app which allows you to lock and unlock your car, and if you opt for an automatic, start it remotely.
Photo credit: autoexpress.co.uk
And will I be able to drive and enjoy the new tech in comfort?
Absolutely. The updated, more spacious interior is as luxurious as it is modern. Unsuprisingly, it has mostly been designed around the new touchscreen but the design is simple and sleek enough to remain stylish and uncomplicated. It's a win.
Photo credit: autoexpress.co.uk
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Comments (28)
Nice, but I'll keep my ST3 thank you very much. Why they never give the launch a splash with a 'hot one' I'll never know.
That’s true Maryn. When it’s being compared to Hyundai and Kia you wonder if things have gone backwards. It’s an attractive car but i don’t think changing the Focus as we have come to love it has been the best decision. Be interesting to see the...
Read moreI think the problem with car design these days is because they use computers and wind tunnels so much, it's inevitable that many cars will look similar. Maybe we've come too far for efficiency and should look at aesthetics again?
It looks like an alternate Version of the I30. Especially fords new interiors remind me a lot of Hyundai.
It does look a lot like the recent Hyundai look, now you've mentioned it.
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Thanks 😊
The rear end of the ST-Line looks amazing. Very excited for this car. 182PS with the 1.5L EcoBoost is pretty decent too 👌
It’s a stunner isn’t it? 👌🏻 can’t wait to see how it compares in group tests!
It really is!
I think it will do well to be fair. Those EcoBoosts are outstanding, and the level of tech this thing has is class leading.
Looks like a 1 series
Yup!