Enter an electrified world of efficiency and control with the EcoBoost Hybrid PowerShift-Automatic transmission; the mHEV is purpose-built to make every drive smoother. To improve flexibility, a new wet zone in the Focus Estate lets you keep your wet and dry equipment safely separated.
Choose from the rugged practicality of Ford Focus Active; the deluxe comfort of Titanium; sports-inspired styling of the ST-Line; or the exhilarating all-out performance of ST.
Stay connected to the world around you with new Ford SYNC 4†. Including high-definition 13.2” touchscreen, cloud-connected navigation plus advanced voice control with natural language recognition. The new Focus can wirelessly connect to your smartphone via Android AutoTM / Apple CarPlayTM^ too, making each new journey effortless.
The Focus EcoBoost Hybrid is available with an advanced PowerShift Automatic transmission. The seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission* is precision engineered to deliver a more efficient, less demanding drive that compliments the hybrid engine’s electrically boosted performance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: †Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply. ††Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 4 does not control 3rd party products while in use. 3rd Parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality. *Powershift-Automatic is available as an optional feature on the 1.0 litre Focus EcoBoost Hybrid (MHEV) models.
Ford has
significantly improved the fourth generation version of its Focus. With smarter
looks and extra technology, it'll still give its rivals plenty to think about,
thinks Jonathan Crouch.
Ten Second Review
The Ford Focus has evolved, this improved version of
the MK4 model offering slicker looks, a much improved 'SYNC4' infotainment
system and extra technology. There's also impressive efficiency beneath the
bonnet thanks to the hi-tech range of petrol and diesel engines. The best part
though, is that this car should still remain as rewarding to drive as it's
always been. The Focus might have grown up but it certainly hasn't lost its
spark.
Background
It's very difficult to over-state the importance of the
Focus family hatch to Ford's European business. To understand its significance,
press the rewind button for a moment and shuttle back to 1997. Ford's family
hatch contender during this period was the fifth generation Escort, a car so
all-encompassingly woeful that the brand was almost embarrassed to sell it.
When the time came for a replacement, we all expected something better. What we
got in the Focus model first launched in 1998 was something much, much more
than that, a car that, at a stroke, offered arguably the biggest step forward
in family car design the market has ever seen. Here at last was technology
directed firmly at the man in the street who, in this apparently humble family
hatchback, could experience a car more entertaining and rewarding to drive than
almost anything this side of a sizeable lottery win.
It was asking a lot for the MK2 model we saw in 2005 to
repeat such a seismic step forward but that second generation Focus was still
quite good enough to remain acclaimed as the driver's choice against rival
Astras and Golfs that made up for their dynamic failings with a better ride and
a more luxurious big car feel. These were attributes the Focus also needed and
when it came to developing the MK3 version, launched early in 2011, Ford tried
to provide them without compromising the car's class-leading handling. That's
also been the goal with this more sophisticated MK4 model, announced in the
Spring of 2018, then updated three years on to create the car we're going to
look at here.
Driving Experience
There's one thing you always know about a Focus:
which is that'll usually be a great steer. And of course nothing's changed in
that regard with this updated model. As before, the ride isn't overly firm, but
body control through the bends is still exemplary, allowing you at the wheel to
make the most of the stiff C2 platform, the feelsome power steering and the
torque vectoring control system that helps you get the power down through the
bends. It all combines to create a car that really can still reward at the
wheel, even in its most affordable forms: there's still nothing else in this
segment that feels quite the same. Yet it still does the sensible stuff well
too, being decently refined, with confident braking and a lovely tactile
gearshift.
The engine range was significantly updated as
recently as 2020 with Ford's latest Mild Hybrid technology and of course that's
carried forward, with electrified MHEV 125 and 155PS versions of Ford's
1.0-litre three cylinder EcoBoost petrol unit. You can now though, get this
48-volt powerplant with the option of a 7-speed Powershift auto gearbox. For
entry-level customers, this three cylinder EcoBoost engine also continues to be
offered in non-electrified 125PS form. Higher mileage drivers will be pleased
to see that the 1.5-litre 120PS EcoBlue diesel engine's been retained in the
range - you can have that with 8-speed auto transmission. And at the top of the
line-up, the ST hot hatch continues on with the 280PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol
unit.
One change we'd like to have seen relates to
suspension. A little disappointingly, Ford continues to equip the lower-powered
1.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel Hatch variants that most customers choose
with a cruder twist-beam damping set-up. If you want the more sophisticated independent
rear double wishbone suspension system that improves ride comfort, you'll need
an estate, the 'Active' crossover version or a more powerful hatch variant. The
top 'ST' high performance version for instance, which gets stiffer, lowered
suspension.
Design and Build
Both hatch and estate versions of this improved Focus
are marked out by smarter LED headlamps with built-in foglights. plus the brand
badge has been moved from the bonnet to the front grille. And the darker rear
tail lamps have a smarter 'loop light' illuminating signature. As before, there
are separate styling details to mark out the different trim levels, with
varying front grille designs for 'Titanium', 'ST-Line', 'Active' and 'ST'
versions. The 'Active' model, as before, gets SUV-style visual changes,
including extra lower body cladding, larger side vents and a higher ride
height.
Bigger changes are reserved for the cabin, which now
features a larger 13.2-inch 'SYNC4' central touchscreen. In a controversial
move, Ford has decided that this monitor should now incorporate the ventilation
controls, giving the dashboard a cleaner, less cluttered look. We're not sure
that this is actually a step forward but the infotainment system's ability to
now accept over-the-air updates certainly is; as a result, you'll get into your
Focus one morning and find it able to do something it couldn't do the day
before - which is rather cool.
Luggage space still isn't particularly noteworthy
either; there's 341-litres of capacity if you load to window level - or
375-litres with a tyre repair kit fitted. A typically-specified Estate model
fitted with a mini-spare offers up to 575-litres. Fold down the 60:40-split
rear backrest and between 1,250 and 1,320-litres of space can be freed up in
the hatch model, depending on the size of spare wheel you decide upon. An
Estate version will give you up to 1,653-litres. The Estate's load area also
now features a wet zone, with a load-floor liner inserted into the space to
provide water resistance against items such as wet suits and umbrellas.
Market and Model
Pricing hasn't changed much, kicking off from around
£22,500 and running up to around £34,000 for the top ST hot hatch. The Focus
range kicks off with the base 'Zetec Edition' variant, before progressing
through 'Titanium Edition' and 'Titanium X Edition' - or 'ST-Line Edition' and
'ST-Line X Edition' variants. An SUV-style 'Active Edition' version (with an
'X'-spec option) and an 'ST' hot hatch (with an 'ST EDition' option) are also
available. Equipment levels reflect the fact that typical customers will
probably be paying somewhere in the £25,000 bracket for this once very
affordable family hatch. Even the base Focus 'Zetec Edition' comes as standard
with 16-inch alloy wheels and air conditioning, along with the 'SYNC4'
touchscreen incorporating a DAB digital radio with Bluetooth and Emergency
Assist. Plus there's an electronic parking brake, autonomous emergency braking,
tyre pressure monitoring, Hill Start Assist and a Lane-Keeping Aid.
For sporty drivers, the 'ST-Line' variant offers
unique body styling, including unique upper and lower grille, rear spoiler and
polished twin tailpipes. Inside there's a flat-bottomed steering wheel, black
headlining, an aluminium gear knob, alloy finish pedals and red stitching. If you
prioritise luxury and you've a healthy budget, you'll want to consider the
optional premium 'Vignale' pack, now available on more models and offering five
new alloy wheel designs.
New safety systems added across the range include
'Blind Spot assist', 'Intersection assist' and 'Local Hazard Information'
(which can warn drivers of hazardous situations on the road ahead). Plus
there's 'Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go', 'Speed Sign Recognition'
and 'Lane Centring' (which helps to ease the strain of driving in stop-start
traffic). 'Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking' helps drivers avoid or
mitigate the effects of collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists,
while 'Active Park Assist' operates gear selection, acceleration and braking to
enable fully automated parking manoeuvres simply by holding down a button.
Cost of Ownership
Ford has re-fettled its engines in recent times
pursuit of greater efficiency. The biggest change has been the introduction,
back in 2020, of 48-volt MHEV mild hybrid technology for the brand's core
1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit. With a manual gearbox, this returns combined
cycle fuel efficiency from 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 116g/km. With the
7-speed Powershift automatic gearbox fitted to the 1.0-litre MHEV engine, up to
47.9mpg and up to 119g/km of CO2 is possible. The MHEV system uses a beefed-up
starter/generator driven by a belt at the front of the engine that stores the
energy harvested when you brake or decelerate in a tiny 48-volt lithium-ion
battery secreted at the back of the car.
The non-electrified 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS manual
entry-level model manages up to 47.1mpg and 121g/km of CO2. For higher mileage
drivers, the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel will suit, this unit delivering up to
56.5mpg and 120g/km with 8-speed auto transmission.
As before, this Focus features selectable Drive Mode
technology, enabling drivers to choose an 'Eco' mode for extra efficiency, this
setting, like the alternative 'Normal' and 'Sport' modes, adjusting the
responses of the throttle pedal, the steering and (if fitted) the auto gearbox.
A standard 'Active Grille Shutter' closes a flap in the front gill to reduce
drag at speed. Plus there's clever 'Air Curtain' technology that guides airflow
across the front wheels in a way that reduces turbulence.
As for the warranty, well like all Fords, this one
comes with a 36-month 60,000-mile package that also includes one year of
Europe-wide breakdown assistance. On top of that, there's an anti-corrosion
guarantee for 12 years. Ford also offers the chance to extend this cover - to
either four years and 80,000 miles or five years and 100,000 miles.
Summary
Has any car had more of an impact on modern era motoring than
the Ford Focus? Other manufacturers can better this car in some regards, but
they still can't make their family hatchback contenders drive like a Focus.
It's true that there are some caveats in that regard. The lower-powered models
with their more basic torsion beam suspension set-up don't have quite as fluid
a feel as those further up the range that feature the 'control blade'
multi-link rear damping system. Even in its most basic form though, this Focus
remains an entertainer at heart, a car you'll feel at one with thanks to its
progressive body control and steering precision. As a result, it's still a
default pick amongst family hatchbacks if you like your driving.
But not everyone does. Many family hatchback folk are buying a
car of this kind simply because it ticks the right boxes for safety,
practicality and running costs and I've a suspicion that it's these people
who'll have their perceptions most changed by this much improved version of the
MK4 model. They may, like us, wonder why it couldn't have been just a touch
more visually interesting. And wish for a slightly more classy cabin. But
they'll certainly like the responsively frugal new-generation engines, the
higher safety standards and the much improved 'SYNC4' infotainment system. In
short, if you can afford the asking prices, you'll find that here's a family
hatchback that now has its priorities right, a car that's grown up, but one
that still knows how to enjoy itself. Smarter and more sensible, it is, more
than ever, number one for a reason.
New Ford Focus ST-Line 1.0L EcoBoost 125PS mHEV | |
Representative Example | |
List Price | £29,330.00 |
Customer Saving | £2,055.46 |
Our Price | £27,274.54 |
Customer Deposit | £3,529.54 |
Monthly Payment | £299.00 |
Optional Final Payment | £12,383.00 |
Mileage Per Annum | 6,000 |
Term (Months) | 38 |
Amount of Credit | £23,745.00 |
Total Amount Payable | £27,274.00 |
Total Charge for Credit | £0.00 |
Rate of Interest | 0.00 |
Excess Mileage Charge | £0.06 |
APR Representative | 0.00% |
Factory Options | |
RACE RED | £0.00 |
New Ford Focus ST-Line 1.0L EcoBoost 125PS mHEV | |
Representative Example | |
List Price | £29,330 |
Customer Saving | £2,055.46 |
Our Price | £27,274.54 |
Customer Deposit | £359 |
Monthly Payment | £359 |
Optional Final Payment | £11,120 |
Mileage | 6000 |
Term (Months) | 48 |
Amount of Credit | £26,915.54 |
Total Amount Payable | £28,730.99 |
Total Charge for Credit | £1,436.45 |
Rate of Interest | 1.33% |
Excess Mileage Charge | £0.06 |
APR Representative | 1.9% |
Factory Options | |
Race Red | £0.00 |
Ford Focus ST-Line X 1.0L EcoBoost 125PS mHEV | |
Representative Example | |
List Price | £31,829.99 |
Customer Saving | £2,140.74 |
Our Price | £29,689.25 |
Customer Deposit | £3,329.25 |
Monthly Payment | £349 |
Optional Final Payment | £13,098 |
Mileage Per Annum | 6,000 |
Term (Months) | 38 |
Amount of Credit | £26,360 |
Total Amount Payable | £29,689.25 |
Total Charge for Credit | £0 |
Rate of Interest | 0% |
Excess Mileage Charge | £0.06 |
APR Representative | 0% |
Factory Options | |
Frozen White | £250 |
Ford Focus ST-Line X 1.0L EcoBoost 125PS mHEV | |
Representative Example | |
List Price | £31,829.99 |
Customer Saving | £2,140.74 |
Our Price | £29,689.25 |
Customer Deposit | £399 |
Monthly Payment | £399 |
Optional Final Payment | £11,686 |
Mileage Per Annum | 6,000 |
Term (Months) | 48 |
Amount of Credit | £29,290.5 |
Total Amount Payable | £31,257 |
Total Charge for Credit | £1,547.75 |
Rate of Interest | 1.32% |
Excess Mileage Charge | £0.06 |
APR Representative | 1.9% |
Factory Options | |
Frozen White | £250 |