The Focus has been an integral part of Ford’s range for more than two decades and continues to be one of the most popular cars in the UK.
This latest generation – which arrived in 2018 – also offered far more style and technology than ever before, while retaining the same sporty driving experience that this hatchback has always been renowned for.
For 2022, Ford is back with a heavily revised version to improve the game further, but what are the changes you need to know about? Let’s take a look…
Bolder design
This latest fourth iteration of Focus is already a stylish choice, but no mid-life update is complete without a makeover, and there are a raft of changes here to enhance the model’s on-road presence.
Key changes include the repositioned Ford badge from the bottom of the bonnet to within the grille, a new bonnet helps to increase the car’s height at the front. LED headlights are now standard, and an integrated fog light cleans up the look of the bumper. Each trim also gets unique styling, ranging from the sportier-looking ST-Line to the SUV-like Active version.
New touchscreen and software
Another key change on the Focus is the addition of the brand’s new Sync 4 media system, as seen on the electric Mustang Mach-E. Representing its first outing on one of Ford’s mass-market cars, the upgraded system promises seamless connected services, advanced voice recognition and also wireless over-the-air updates.
This new Sync 4 system is also shown on a large new 13.2-inch touchscreen, which is a welcome addition and a big step up from the outgoing Focus’ eight-inch system. It’s the largest touchscreen size in this class, and helps to give the Focus an especially modern feel.
Greater powertrain choice
Ford already offered a broad range of petrol and diesel engines on the Focus, but as part of this update buyers now have more choice, especially when it comes to gearboxes.
So Ford’s efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid petrol engines – available with outputs of 123bhp or 153bhp – are both now offered with the option of a seven-speed automatic transmission for the first time. While not quite so efficient as the standard six-speed manual, Ford claims up to 47.9mpg and low CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
Estate version is more practical than ever
The Focus doesn’t just come as a hatchback though as Ford also gives customers the option of an Estate, appealing to those who need something that bit roomier. Benefitting from all the changes we’ve already mentioned, Ford has made a number of practical alterations that aim to make it easier to live with.
These include a new carpet design in the boot that makes it easier to clean, along with a revised boot floor system that allows you to separate items and help keep things more securely in place. The load area also now features a ‘wet zone’, which is a load-liner that can be easily wiped clean, and is ideal for keeping either wet or muddy clothing items out of the way.
ST hot hatch also gets a makeover
In the process of updating the Focus, Ford certainly hasn’t neglected its ST hot hatch. Though the engine and dynamics largely remain the same, upgrades include a sportier design, achieved thanks to a honeycomb grille, larger 19-inch alloy wheel option and also the ability to have your Focus painted in the wild shade of Mean Green.
Inside, it also benefits from new ‘Performance Seats’, which have been developed in-house by Ford, while there’s the option of an ‘X’ package, bringing features like pixel LED headlights and an additional Track mode for more extreme driving on a circuit.
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