Ford’s updated Focus hits the road

Ford’s updated Focus hits the road

New model gains a significant technology upgrade as well as a refreshed design

Ford has unveiled its latest incarnation of Focus, bringing a fresh new look as well as a more technology-heavy interior to the firm’s popular hatchback. 

Priced from £22,465, the new Focus features a revised bonnet design, while the ‘blue oval’ badge has been moved from the bonnet lip to the centre of the grille. All cars now benefit from LED headlights as standard with integrated fog lamps, while LED tail lights are fitted at the rear of the car. 

There are different designs between different grades, too, with performance-inspired ST-Line versions gaining side skirts, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler, while Active models take design inspiration from the firm’s SUVs and, as a result, wear black body cladding and have a lifted ride height. 

The Focus is also available again as an estate, bringing enhanced practicality and a new ‘wet zone’ ideal for loading in muddy boots or wet coats.

Inside, the Focus gains a new 13.2-inch central infotainment system running Ford’s latest SYNC 4 software. It incorporates heating and ventilation controls - which were previously physical buttons - while both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included too. The system is also ready to accept over-the-air updates in the future. 

Ford’s efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost hybrid petrol engine - which incorporates 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance - is available on the Focus, bringing a claimed consumption figure of 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 116g/km. It’s available in a variety of power outputs and can be fitted with Ford’s new dual-clutch Powershift automatic transmission for the first time in the Focus. 

A 1.5-litre turbocharged EcoBlue diesel engine is available. Bringing 118bhp, it’s capable of returning up to 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 120g/km. It can only be coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, too. 

At the top of the range remains the Focus ST, which uses a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 276bhp and 420Nm of torque. It too features a new design, with revamped upper and lower front grilles and a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel. Larger 19-inch versions can be added as an optional extra, too.

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