The 2019 Ford Focus has arrived, eight years on from the debut of the third-generation model. This what is worth knowing, including details of the new technologies, engines, body design, infotainment, interior, safety systems and the Active version.
Things were a lot simpler when the last Ford Focus arrived. The VW Golf was the best hatchback, Donald Trump was still hosting the American version of The Apprentice and ‘fake news’ was merely a form of poor journalism.
Just like the times, the all-new fourth-generation Ford Focus is a more complicated beast. Though it wants to make life easier and less stressful with improved levels of comfort, efficiency and technology as part of a five-door hatchback, wagon and four-door body styles.
Here is what else you need to know.
2019 Ford Focus firsts
One first for the 2019 Ford Focus is the addition of Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), which should make it ride better. Meanwhile revised versions of the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engines can be had, complete with cylinder deactivation.
Two new diesel engines have also been made for the new Ford Focus, the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBlue, as well as a new eight-speed automatic for changing gear, the behaviour of which can be adjusted using a rotary dial.
Also debuting on the 2019 Ford Focus is the new C2 platform, which will underpin a new look that seemingly combines various elements of its competitors including the Peugeot 308 and Mazda 3.
Increasing the wheelbase by 53mm has helped with interior space and decreased the overhangs, contributing to a more dynamic look. The interior itself, often maligned for looking dated and being too complicated, has been made cleaner and features far fewer buttons.
Ford Focus Active, anyone?
Various trim levels will be available, including a more rugged ‘Active’ version (already available for the Fiesta) that sits 30mm higher than the standard car, the sporty ST-Line that sits 10mm lower and the luxury Vignale (available on most Ford models). There is, however, no mention of an RS or ST so you will have to wait patiently if you want a more potent Focus experience.
Not to be left out of the race to make cars smarter, the 2019 Ford Focus is said to feature more ‘advanced features’ than any Ford before it. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition, an adaptive front lighting system that avoids dazzling oncoming motorists when using full beam and, first for a European Ford, the option of a head-up display.
It will even park itself using the second version of Active Park Assist and the Pre-Collision Assist can now detect cyclists, as opposed to just pedestrians. Then there is the addition of driving modes (Normal, Sport and Eco), which vary how the car behaves. Sport, for instance, provides snappier responses at the expense of efficiency.
Ford Pass Connect
The Ford Pass Connect system is another new addition, which turns the 2019 Focus into a mobile WiFi capable of connecting up to 10 devices to the world wide web. It will also enable the Ford Pass smartphone app to perform a variety of useful functions such as show you where your car is, check fuel levels, remote start the engine (only for the eight-speed automatic version) and remote lock or unlock the doors.
Aerodynamics is another area where Ford has made significant effort, which has resulted in a 10 per cent average decrease in CO2 emissions and increase in fuel efficiency. The Focus four-door cuts through the air to the tune of 0.25Cd and 0.275Cd for the five-door. It also weighs 88kg less, like-for-like, which should also help improve overall efficiency.
“Innovation in every area has helped us create an all-new Focus with unprecedented craftsmanship and delivering an unparalleled driving and occupant experience,” commented Ford of Europe vice president, Joe Bakaj.
“The all-new Focus is the fulfillment of the Focus promise and as of today, sets the benchmark for others to follow. I am immensely proud of the team that has helped deliver what I believe is the best car we have ever made,” he added.
Ford has sold more than 16 million units of the Focus since its launch in 1998, nearly seven million of which found homes in Europe. Production of the third-generation Focus ceased on the 6th of April, 2018.
No word on a price of the new model just yet, nor the hybrid version, but obviously we will keep you posted. Because we are nice like that.
Leave a Reply