The Ford Focus may only be in its fourth generation, but this hatchback and estate has had enormous appeal since it was launched in 1997. It consistently sits in the list of the top-selling cars in the UK, and is only occasionally beaten for sales in its class by the Volkswagen Golf.
The latest model is classier, more appealing and technologically advanced than ever, while it’s also available in an extensive number of guises.
Here’s what you need to know about it.
What engines are available?
There’s certainly no shortage of engines available on the latest Focus.
The range kicks off with a turbocharged 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is available with outputs of 99bhp or 123bhp. This comes paired to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, though an eight-speed automatic gearbox is also available on the options list. The most efficient petrol engine is the 99bhp unit – returning up to a claimed 50.4mpg, with low CO2 emissions of just 102g/km.
Up next is a larger 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is available in outputs of either 148bhp or 179bhp, which are again offered with the option of manual or automatic transmissions.
Those looking for more power should opt for the ST hot hatch, with that version’s turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine producing 276bhp, which allows for a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. For the time being, this is just paired to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Moving over to the diesel engines, and the range kicks off with a turbocharged 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine, which is available with outputs of either 94bhp or 123bhp. The former is the best for efficiency in the range – returning up to a claimed 64.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 92g/km. Six-speed manuals are fitted to both as standard, though an automatic is available on the latter.
If you fancy something with a bit more oomph, a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine produces 148bhp or 187bhp when in ST form. Manual and autos can be found on the former, whereas you’ll just get an automatic on the latter. The 187bhp is the quickest diesel – claiming 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 137mph.
What trim levels are offered?
The Ford Focus is available with one of the most extensive trim offerings of any new car today, with the highlights as follows.
Style – from £18,545
Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, a speed limiter, air-conditioning, a trip computer, DAB radio and Bluetooth. It comes with plenty of safety kit, too – including lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and post collision braking.
Zetec – from £20,645
Zetec adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a heated windscreen, cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
ST-Line – from £22,895
Sporty-looking ST-Line features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lights and an ST-Line bodykit. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports suspension and keyless start are also included.
ST-Line X
This version adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and part leather seats. It also gains satellite navigation, heated front seats and an electric driver’s seat.
Active – from £22,895
In addition to the Zetec, these rugged-styled versions add 17-inch alloy wheels, raised suspension, a black styling pack and a revised bodykit. It also comes with selectable drive modes, keyless start and satellite navigation.
Active X – from £25,145
Upgrade to the Active X and you’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry. Other features heated front seats, an electric driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control and part-leather seats.
Titanium – from £22,645
In addition to Zetec, Titanium adds LED rear lights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and satellite navigation.
Titanium X – from £23,895
The ‘X’ version brings part leather seats, an electric driver’s seat, a greater touch of soft touch materials and rear privacy glass, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.
Vignale – from £26,645
The luxurious Vignale adds LED headlights, unique Vignale bodystyling, 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and park assist. Further features include a B&O sound system, ambient LED interior lighting as well as full leather upholstery.
ST – from £29,945
The range-topping ST hot hatch adds a more aggressive bodykit, 19-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension. It also gains a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and an electronic limited slip differential in terms of performance upgrades.
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What about personalisation?
Given Ford’s extensive trim level offerings, it’s not surprising to learn that there isn’t an enormous amount of options to pick for your Focus.
The colour range is quite varied, with Race Red being the standard colour, and buyers then having plenty of choice of optional metallic paints, with Magnetic Grey, Ruby Red and Blue Panther being particular highlights. The ST and Vignale versions also benefit from bespoke options, too.
There are plenty of conventional options available, too, with wireless charging (£100) and blind spot monitoring (£400) and an electric boot on the estate (£600).