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Pros: Practical, efficient, fun handling.
Cons: Cabin finish, fiddly ventilation controls.
Ford Focus Design
Ford has smartened up the Focus with a new front end that’s a bit more than the average facelift in the motor industry. The redesigned grille now features the blue oval at its centre, which makes this car far more appealing than before. New LED headlights come standard across the range. A new bonnet design increases the height of the nose for greater visual presence. The rear lights also have a new loop-like LED lighting signature.
There are a few trim levels for the Focus including the elegant Titanium, crossover-inspired Active and sporty ST-Line models. The ST-Line makeover seems to sit particularly well on the Focus with a special honeycomb grille finish, side skirts, roof spoiler, diffuser-effect in the rear bumper, and 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on ST Line X with red brake calipers).
Ford Focus Interior
The cabin benefits from a technology and equipment upgrade. The new 13.3-inch touchscreen is one of the biggest in the segment and uses Ford’s Sync 4 operating system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included and improved voice control. It keeps the cabin feeling fresh and is relatively easy to use and switch through menus. However, the controls for the ventilation have moved to the screen and are a bit fiddly to use. The digital instrument cluster looks great but unfortunately it’s not standard. The interior lacks a bit of style with lots of plain black plastic but generally the quality feels on par with the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Opel Astra.
Standard equipment includes climate control, keyless entry/start, heated windscreen, parking camera, and cruise control. Wireless smartphone charging is also available.
The Ford Focus is one of the most spacious hatchbacks with plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers. The boot measures 375 litres, which is similar to the Golf and a small bit bigger than in a Corolla.
Ford Focus Performance & Drive
Ford offers the Focus with the brand’s well-proven 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine with 125hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. The same engine gets some mild hybrid assistance and an automatic gearbox, but there’s no boost in power. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel with 115hp and an automatic gearbox. The 1.0-litre manual is a perfect match for the Focus offering enough power and performance to please most. It’s also nicely refined for a three-cylinder engine and offers good real-world economy.
The Focus is still the best handling hatchback you can buy, with fluid steering and slick composure through bends. Drive modes come as standard, which adjust the steering and throttle response depending on whether Normal, Sport or Eco is selected. There’s also a nice balance between sporty handling and comfort despite the ST-Line models coming with a marginally stiffer suspension set-up. There is however a bit of road and wind noise at high speeds on the motorway.
Ford Focus Pricing
Titanium models are available from €32,541, ST-Line from €32,865, Active from €33,367, Titanium X from €35,732, ST-Line X from €36,347 and Active X from €36,584.
Carzone Verdict
A few foibles aside, the Ford Focus is a brilliant hatchback offering an appealing blend of style, efficiency, performance and practicality. Hatchbacks are not as cool as they used to be. But the Focus is still one of the very best – now just a bit better-looking with some more impressive interior tech.