Ford has revealed the 4th generation Focus range in 4-door sedan, 5-door estate/wagon and 5-door hatchback body styles. The models include a sporty ST-Line, an Active crossover and an upscale Vignale.
Ford said that the new Focus has been designed from a clean sheet of paper and is built on a new C2 platform. Speaking of which, the new platform has resulted in a weight reduction of up to 88 kg which also aids fuel efficiency. Torsional rigidity is improved by 20%, and the stiffness of individual suspension attachment points is increased by up to 50%, reducing flex for better body control.
The new Focus’ aerodynamics result in a drag coefficient of 0.250 Cd for the four-door and 0.273 Cd for the five-door models. Aerodynamic features include standard Active Grille Shutter technology that automatically closes to reduce drag when cooling airflow to the radiator is not needed.
According to Ford data, the new Focus delivers fuel efficiency and CO2 emission improvements of 10% across the range, thanks to the aforementioned aerodynamics and weight reduction.
The wheelbase is up by 53 mm resulting in more interior space. For the rear-seat passengers, knee clearance is improved by more than 50 mm compared with the outgoing Focus, for a best-in-class 81 mm. Shoulder-room is increased by almost 60 mm, Ford said. The wagon model offers more than 1,650-litre luggage capacity and features hands-free tailgate technology.
The new Focus gets a more powerful 140 cc compressor that heats and cools the cabin faster. Other features on the inside include an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and voice command; a 10-speaker B&O PLAY sound system and a wireless charging pad. European markets get head-up display (HUD), claimed to be the brightest available. An openable panoramic sunroof is available in the options list.
Europeans can also have FordPass Connect embedded modem technology that turns the vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices.
Driver assistance features include ACC with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition, Lane-Centering and Active Park Assist 2. The new Focus also gets Adaptive Front Lighting System (full-LED headlamps) that adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment.
Further safety systems include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Evasive Steering Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Rear wide-view camera and Wrong Way Alert. Ford anticipates a five-star safety rating for the new Focus, supported by a 40% increase in front crash load capability from the new C2 platform.
Powertrains
Depending on the market, the engines include 1.0-litre EcoBoost with 85 PS, 100 PS and 125 PS, 1.5-litre EcoBoost with 150 PS and 182 PS, 1.5-litre EcoBlue (diesel) with 95 PS and 120 PS—both delivering 300 Nm of torque, 2.0‑litre EcoBlue delivering 150 PS and 370 Nm of torque. The petrol engines get cylinder deactivation technology.
Transmission is an 8-speed automatic that adapts shift patterns to driving style, or a 6-speed manual.
The new Focus offers Normal, Sport and Eco drive modes that adjust engine and transmission response, steering feel and Adaptive Cruise Control to match the driving situation. Also new is the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) technology for the independent front and rear suspension systems. When equipped with CCD, the drive modes will adjust the suspension character accordingly.
The new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in the second half of 2019.
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