Ford Puts a Load of Tech and Style Into the Fourth-Generation Focus

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April 11, 2018

Since its introduction some 20 years ago, the Ford Focus has been giving compact car buyers a solid and sporty choice. Over here in our market, it caters to those that want a sporty and tech-filled offering but want something besides the usual Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis. Now, Ford wants to give car shoppers more tech and a load of new features with a sleek new 2019 Ford Focus.

The latest-gen Focus was revealed in Germany with a body style that takes cues straight from the fire-breathing RS variant. While the front and rear overhangs are a bit shorter, the wheelbase has been stretched, helping to improve cabin space. (a common complaint from previous-gen buyers). Moreover, the new front fascia with muscular fenders give the Ford compact a sporty vibe.

Inside, the premium Euro flair continues with a new dash that highlights an floating 8-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s SYNC3 interface. It can even be spec’d with a B&O Play sound system with 675 watt output and 10 speaker setup with subwoofer. Drivers even get a heads-up display to help keep their eyes on the road while still keeping track of the vehicle’s vitals.

The fourth-gen Focus now rides on a totally new C2 platform and will be offered with a host of engines in both gasoline and diesel. Gas engines range from a 1.0-liter EcoBoost making either 84-, 99-, or 123hp. There will also be a pair of 1.5-liter EcoBoost mills that produce either 148hp or 180 horses. The larger mill gets cylinder deactivation tech, with transmission choices being a either 6-speed manual or an 8-speed auto.

Folks who prefer diesels can opt for either the 1.5- or 2.0-liter EcoBlue oil burners. Just like their gasoline counterparts, the 1.5-liter versions will come in either 94hp or 118 hp, while torque is pegged at 300Nm. The bigger diesel, meanwhile, has 148hp and 370Nm of twisting force.

The biggest news about the new Focus, however, is arguably the ton of tech thrown in. Occupants, for instance, get wireless charging, while FordPass Connect allows owners to call up various vehicle functions such as vehicle location, vehicle stats like oil pressure and state, fuel levels, and the like, making sure the doors are locked, and remote vehicle start—all from their smartphone.

Then there’s adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition, stop and go capability, and lane keep. The new adaptive front lighting system uses forward-facing cameras that allow it to utilize sight-based lighting and predictive lighting that keep track of road markings and directs the headlights in the direction of the turn or curve even before the driver actually turns the steering wheel.

More tech come in the form of pedestrian and cyclist detection, an improved version of Park Assist, blind spot warning, post-crash brake assist, evasive steering assist, and wrong way assist.

The all-new 2019 Ford Focus will be sold as a sedan, hatchback, wagon, as well as a crossover (Focus Active), and premium Vignale in Europe. Over here, we should get the sedan and hatchback, with the possibility of the Active making its way to our crossover-crazy market.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.