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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
- BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A FORD FOCUS FROM OSV - bit.ly/3qGYwh1
There's one thing you always know about a Focus: which is that'll usually be a great steer. And of course nothing's changed in that regard with this updated model. As before, the ride isn't overly firm, but body control through the bends is still exemplary, allowing you at the wheel to make the most of the stiff C2 platform, the feelsome power steering and the torque vectoring control system that helps you get the power down through the bends. It all combines to create a car that really can still reward at the wheel, even in its most affordable forms: there's still nothing else in this segment that feels quite the same. Yet it still does the sensible stuff well too, being decently refined, with confident braking and a lovely tactile gearshift.
The engine range was significantly updated as recently as 2020 with Ford's latest Mild Hybrid technology and of course that's carried forward, though the line-up kicks off with a conventional version of the brand's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 125PS form with a manual gearbox. You can have the same engine in mHEV mild hybrid form, though only if you're prepared to specify Ford's 7-speed PowerShift auto gearbox. The 155PS version of this mHEV mild hybrid 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine can be had with either manual or PowerShift auto transmission. Higher mileage drivers will be pleased to see that the 1.5-litre 120PS EcoBlue diesel engine's been retained in the range - though only with 8-speed auto transmission. And at the top of the line-up, the ST hot hatch continues on with the 280PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol unit, offered with either manual or 7-speed auto transmission.
One change we'd like to have seen relates to suspension. A little disappointingly, Ford continues to equip the lower-powered 1.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel Hatch variants that most customers choose with a cruder twist-beam damping set-up. If you want the more sophisticated independent rear double wishbone suspension system that improves ride comfort, you'll need an estate, the 'Active' crossover version or a more powerful hatch variant. The top 'ST' high performance version for instance, which gets stiffer, lowered suspension.
Design and Build
Both hatch and estate versions of this improved Focus are marked out by smarter LED headlamps with built-in foglights. plus the brand badge has been moved from the bonnet to the front grille. And the darker rear tail lamps have a smarter 'loop light' illuminating signature. As before, there are separate styling details to mark out the different trim levels, with varying front grille designs for 'Titanium', 'ST-Line', 'Active' and 'ST' versions. The 'Active' model, as before, gets SUV-style visual changes, including extra lower body cladding, larger side vents and a higher ride height.
Bigger changes are reserved for the cabin, which now in most models features a larger 13.2-inch 'SYNC 4' central touchscreen. In a controversial move, Ford has decided that this monitor should now incorporate the ventilation controls, giving the dashboard a cleaner, less cluttered look. We're not sure that this is actually a step forward but the infotainment system's ability to now accept over-the-air updates certainly is; as a result, you'll get into your Focus one morning and find it able to do something it couldn't do the day before - which is rather cool. As before, rear seat space isn't exemplary, but there's decent room for a couple of adults.
Luggage space still isn't particularly noteworthy either; there's 341-litres of capacity if you load to window level - or 375-litres with a tyre repair kit fitted. A typically-specified Estate model fitted with a mini-spare offers up to 575-litres. Fold down the 60:40-split rear backrest and between 1,250 and 1,320-litres of space can be freed up in the hatch model, depending on the size of spare wheel you decide upon. An Estate version will give you up to 1,653-litres.
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I would choose the pre-facelift model for various reasons like:
1. 1.5 Ecoboost is more refined than 1.0
2. The new screen is even more hideous than the old one; not only it has half-meter bezels, it also absorbed whatever physical buttons there were.
3. Torque convertor automatic on petrol models rather than the Powershift the facelift has (why back to PS though seriously?)
I have a prefacelift and am due to for a new one. Your points are my exact concern, and why I'd rather keep what I have. 1.5, 182ps, is refined and fun, the physical controls are easy intuitive and well placed and the auto box is smooth as a baby's backside. I really fear those 1.0 autos on the bigger estate model.... And I like Buttons 😢
Great video.
OSV, your videos are well done.
Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
@OSV. Ive subscribed already. I know a good channel when I see one. Keep it up!
A subscriber & always hit the like button if I watch a video. I like your detail, it’s defo your USP. Can I just check the boot. I notice the car tested has the B&O sound system so thus eats into some of the boot space (with sub & amp under boot floor) what would be the difference if it didn’t have the B&O system?
No, This is my 2nd Focus, an Active X. My only regret is that Ford are discontinuing the Focus either next year or 2025. Shame really.
Ford Focus looks so good!
Great all round car
Still 10 years behind with the hideous tablet thing stuck awkwardly onto the dash
Matter of taste :) I'm looking forward to it!
10? Which 10yo car had that?
👍
Shame it will not be sold in the US.....
Hasn't been since Ford announced ceasing of car sales in US/CAN from late 2018 (completed by 2020).....shot themselves in to foot removing the ST and RS variants for sure. Apparently everyone only wants trucks and SUV in US, plus a few Mustang's. Other forward thinking small & hatchback manufacturers have been doing well at Ford's expense. This will be the last Focus, its been ceased along with the Fiesta. Worst thing they have done to the Focus, was limit the engine choice to a 1.0L, best engine was the 1.5, with 182bhp, perfect for driving on all roads and conditions.
No especially with the 1.0 ecoboost engine. Ford ruined what was a very good car. The original Focus was fun to drive, cheap to run and reliable.
Facelift is literally downgrade lol
agreed, woefully under powered for a car that size and huge variances in roads in UK/EU. no wonder they need regular servicing, over-worked.
@@Mogsy28ukthey don’t need a lot of maintenance. Service interval on the 155 is every 2 years!! Definitely not underpowered 155 bhp is fine for a family car with a 3 cylinder engine is pretty impressive imo
@@Mogsy28uk 155ps? Really?
@@nicks4934 Really, really -- the last good petrol MK3 was 1.5L 182bhp, could handle anything. Other manufacturers managed to keep their 1.2 and 1.4 engines, why not Ford. Your only choices are 1.0L or 2.3L.
Good car rubbish engine