Hats off: The Ford Focus is superb to drive, offers good space and comes equipped with new driving technologies on board. The infotainment system and interior quality are its main novelties.
It is true that the fourth generation of the Ford Focus has not quite reached the same level of popularity as its predecessors, but it remains a key player in the Ford range. This mid-career update includes changes in style, quality of finish and embeds new technologies. From the outside, it’s the front end that gets the biggest updates.
The logo is enlarged in the center of a redesigned grille, clad in black in this ST-Line finish. It is flanked by new, thinner optics than before. These not only get a new LED running graphic, but also house the fog lights, freeing up space underneath for a cleaner bumper design. Changes elsewhere are a little subtle, but the rear gets refreshed lights and the 17-inch wheel designs are all new.
New infotainment system
The changes to the exterior are mostly cosmetic, but the Focus’s cabin gets a full tech upgrade. The centerpiece is a vast new infotainment screen running the new Sync 4 software. This large 13.2-inch screen improves in load times and features large icons as well as clear, easy-to-use graphics. And even the in-screen heating and ventilation controls, which we usually criticize for their misuse in other vehicles, are among the best on the market. The combination of the screen with the materials used in the cabin is pleasing to the eye. The dashboard is covered in a central strip of bright trim, topped by a soft-touch section that extends to the top of the door panels. Everything is well thought out, the gearbox knob is more modern and takes up less space, the head-up display does not disturb even if the windshield is very tilted and the voice command makes life easier for the driver. For example, adjusting the temperature of the air conditioning or the volume of the music can be done in real time and without any bugs. In terms of roominess, the Focus is one of the best in its class. Admittedly, the rear seats haven’t really changed, but it does feel like there’s more space. Five passengers can sit comfortably on board. However, the trunk is not the largest in its class, it has a volume of 358 liters. It is smaller than that of the Volkswagen Golf (381 liters) and Hyundai i30 (395 liters).
Pleasant to drive
In Morocco, the engine has not changed, the Focus is still equipped with the same 1.5 liter diesel block of 120 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Our test model is equipped with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. After driving it, we think its shifting could have been a little smoother for a more dynamic and sporty ride, especially in the first two gears. We also noticed that the American compact’s suspension is a little firmer on the bumps than some rivals, but without being too harsh, and the bumps are well isolated from the cabin. Regarding its direction, nothing has changed for this renovated model. It retains the same steering system, which is well weighted and precise. Something that makes the Focus more fun to drive and easier to place on the road. On-board security technology has not been developed. Other than front and rear park assist, hill start assist and cruise control/speed limiter, the Focus doesn’t offer any other options.
Verdict
The Ford Focus goes through the restyling box to stay in the game. It progresses in detail with a redesigned front end and a new giant touch screen, incorporating the latest version of the Ford Sync 4 operating system. The interior presentation is neat and modernized with the removal of physical air conditioning controls. The engine offer is always the same, it is efficient and economical (around 6 litres/100 km in combined fuel consumption). The vehicle is still fun to drive, but it’s true that the automatic transmission isn’t the best in its class. All in all, this restyling revived the fourth generation of the Focus which had not found the same success as its predecessors.
Technical characteristics :
- Engine: 1.5 TDCi (D)
- Displacement (cc): 1.499
- Fiscal horsepower (hp): 6
- Maximum power (hp): 120
- Couple maxi (Nm) : 300
- Gearbox: BVM6
- Vitesse maxi (km/h) : 193
- Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 10.5 (s)
- Consumption (l/100 km) (rural/urban/combined): 4.2/5.2/4.6
- Finition Connected (DH) : 236.000
- Finition Connected+ (DH) : 256.000
- Engine: 1.5 TDCi (D)
- Displacement (cc): 1.499
- Fiscal horsepower (hp): 6
- Maximum power (hp): 120
- Couple maxi (Nm) : 300
- Gearbox: BVA 8
- Vitesse maxi (km/h) : 193
- Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 10.5 (s)
- Consumption (l/100 km) (rural/urban/combined): 4.2/5.2/4.6
- Finition Connected (DH) : 256.000
- Finition Connected+ (DH) : 276.000
- Active Finition (DH): 306,000
- Finition ST-Line (DH): 306.000
Equipment
On the BVA ST-Line 6 finish
Airbags (front, side and head), ABS, ESP, Auto Hold, Hill start assist, Tire pressure sensor, Integrated fog lights, Isofix system, Head-up display, Auto dual-zone climate control, Cruise control , Automatic headlights, Electric parking brake, Driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, 4-way adjustable driver & passenger seats, Three selectable driving modes, Front & rear electric windows, Ford MyKey system, Folding rear seats, Electric folding mirrors and heated, Central storage console with front armrest, Electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror, Front and rear parking sensors, Rain sensor, Reversing camera, 17-inch aluminum rims, Full LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 3-spoke steering wheel leather, Black ST-Line front grille, Body-coloured front and rear bumpers, Enveloping sports type seats, Chrome door surrounds, ST-Line pack, LED taillights , Panoramic sunroof, 2 sport-type exhaust outlets, Ford Sync 4 multimedia system, 13.2-inch color touch screen, Bluetooth, 12-volt socket and 2 USB sockets, Telephone charging by induction, Apple Carplay and Android Auto without thread.