The Ford Focus has been given a major mid-life facelift to keep pace with rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf. Changes include a styling overhaul, new powertrain options and upgraded infotainment.
The new design for the family hatch echoes the recent revamp of the Ford Fiesta, with an emphasis on reworking the front of the car. As with the Fiesta, the Ford badge has been moved from the Focus’s bonnet lip down onto the enlarged grille. LED headlights are now standard on all Focus variants and have the foglights built into them, and a darkened rear light effect includes a new “loop light” pattern.
The redesign encompasses separate styling details for Titanium, ST-Line, Active and performance-focused ST versions, including individual grille and fascia designs. ST-Line models feature side skirts and a rear diffuser and spoiler, while the rugged Active trim has SUV-inspired design tweaks such as additional lower body cladding and larger side vents.
Ford has also updated the premium Vignale pack, which is now available on a wider range of models, and introduced five new alloy wheel designs.
The Focus ST hot hatch is further differentiated from the regular Focus with a revamped honeycomb grille and restyled side vents, skirts and spoilers. There is a new design for the 18in alloy wheels, with optional 19in versions also offered.
A major revamp inside the Focus ushers in the use of Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment, including a large, 13.2in dashboard- mounted touchscreen. The system now integrates the heating and ventilation controls, which, Ford says, results in a “cleaner and less cluttered centre console”. According to Ford, the system has been designed so that drivers “never are more than a touch or two” from being able to operate any function.
The Sync 4 system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features speech recognition and can accept over-the-air software updates. Owners with the FordPass app can use that to check their car’s fuel levels and oil life from their smartphone.
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Probably, yes.
Looks even more bland than the previous version in my view, with no real differentiation with the ST-Line and ST. I don't like the 'everything on a touchscreen' idea either. Taking your eyes off the road and one hand off the wheel for so long is as dangerous as using a mobile, can't manufacturers get that? That alone would stop me buying one.
Although the add-on screen looks better on this upgrade, Ford really need to smooth out and upgrade the area between the dash bottom and the centre console, if they want to add more class to the interior (and it certainly needs it). Also, apart from the ST, those big seat side bolsters aren't necessary, and are just a damn nuisance.
The new nose improves the front end, just like the facelifted Fiesta, giving the car a less gawping, startled look. As for the new infotainment system, why do some manufactures feel having something that resembles and operates like a mobile phone or tablet is progress? They don't of course, it's all about looks and an assumption where something phone-like is considered progress. If TV remote controls still have physical buttons, why is it considered not ok to have buttons while on the move?