2019 Ford Focus
Describing it as "the most innovative, spacious, connected and fun-to-drive Focus ever," the Blue Oval rolled out the fourth generation of its compact offering at simultaneous events in both Europe and China on April 10th.
Featuring an all-new platform, suspension, engine lineup, and eight-speed automatic transmission, various iterations of the Focus will go on-sale this year in Europe and China, while US buyers will have to wait until the second half of next year.
Exterior and interior
Outside, the fourth-generation Focus features a longer hood, more sculpted body, and better aerodynamics for improved efficiency.
The all-new interior promises to be larger and more upscale with front seat occupants enjoying more space due a narrower center console courtesy of a new electric parking brake and rotary gear shift dial. Meanwhile, rear seat passengers will experience 2.4 inches of additional shoulder room, two more inches of knee clearance, and increased leg room of 2.8 inches. The wagon, which we won't see, will also offer a new flexible load floor as well as Ford's hands-free liftgate technology.
Focus on technology
Speaking of tech, a slew of new technologies take center stage and include available adaptive cruise control with advanced stop & go, speed sign recognition and lane-centering for improved stop-and-go traffic situations, plus a camera-based adaptive front lighting system, improved active park assist, and a segment-first evasive steering assist designed to help drivers steer around stopped and slower vehicles.
Also available is a new embedded modem that includes a wi-fi hotspot as well as connectivity to a mobile app with features that include remote start, vehicle locating, remote lock and unlock, and vehicle systems status that monitors such things as fuel level, oil life, and alarm status. Wireless charging is also available, as is an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as pinch and swipe with Sync 3 software that includes audio, navigation, and climate functionality.
Handling and performance
Engines for China and Europe have already been announced. Chinese market Focus models will be offered with a three-cylinder 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine programmed for high torque at low rpm. In Europe, buyers will be offered two additional options: a de-tuned 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBlue diesel engine (per the press release, US powertrain choices will be announced closer to launch). Depending on the engine, either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission will be offered.
According to Ford, the new eight-speed automatic will come with two new features:
"Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which assesses individual driving styles to optimize gearshift timings for a more stable, engaging and refined driving experience (and) Adaptive Shift Quality Control, which assesses vehicle and environmental information to help adjust clutch pressures for consistently smooth gearshifts."
In addition, the new Focus will feature standard three-mode Drive Mode Technology with Normal, Sport, and Eco modes that adjust engine and transmission response and steering feel. When used in conjunction with adaptive cruise control, it will map a performance parameter that will range from efficiency-minded to sporty.
Trim levels
Three different body styles will be offered – four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and five-door wagon – with the particular market determine how many of those will be offered.
Four trim levels will be available in Europe - the upscale Titanium, luxury-oriented Vignale, sport-oriented ST-Line, and the adventure-oriented Active – while the choice will be limited to the ST-Line and Titanium trim in the Chinese market.
