Ford has introduced its redesigned global Focus, a more spacious, tech-filled and connected compact car that the Dearborn automaker will tweak to fit markets across the world. The new Focus will be available in Europe and China this year and in the U.S. in the second half of 2019.
Depending on the market, Ford will offer the Focus as a 4-door car, 5-door wagon and/or 5-door hatchback. Ford did not provide specifics on the new Focus for the U.S. market such as which body styles, trims or powertrains would be offered here. Pricing also wasn’t announced.
“We’ll tailor which cars in the Focus lineup we offer in markets around the world to ensure we best meet customers’ different needs and preferences,” Jim Farley, Ford’s president of Global Markets, said in a statement.
Euro, Chinese trims revealed
For Europe, Ford showcased the Focus Vignale luxury trim, a sporty ST-Line model, an Active trim for the adventure seeker and the upscale Titanium package. For China, Ford revealed ST-Line and Titanium trimmed models. Ford confirmed it will offer the new Focus in China with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, while in Europe the Focus will be available with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost gas engine and a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel.
The exterior of the global Focus has a longer hood and looks larger than the current generation, though its overall size doesn’t change. The front is sportier looking with new headlights, new grille designs and lower fascia changes. The fourth generation Focus rides on a new chassis and suspension and has a new optional fast-shifting, 8-speed automatic transmission aimed to aid fuel efficiency and performance. It also for the first time features standard drive mode technology. Steering is more responsive with an improved feel through a new electric power assisted steering system, Ford says.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
Wi-Fi hotspot added
A longer wheelbase gives rear passengers more interior room, with shoulder room improving by 2.4 inches, knee clearance by 2 inches and legroom by 2.8 inches.
The global Focus will include a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, available wireless charging and the automaker’s new Ford CoPilot360 suite of advanced driver assist technology that Ford says varies by global market. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system is available with an 8.0-inch color touchscreen in the new Focus and FordPass Connect modem technology provides features such as Live Traffic updates.
Ford describes the interior of the redesigned Focus as more “refined and upscale.” An electric parking brake and rotary gear shift dial provide more storage space and easier access to cupholders. Also inside the cabin, occupants will find a quicker and quieter heating and air-conditioning system. The center console also has been redesigned and is narrower, with switches and buttons moved to the touchscreen. The console also adds soft knee pads for driver comfort.
The current 2018 Focus in the U.S. market is available in sedan and hatchback styles, with several trim options and sporty versions including the ST and RS models. A base 2018 Focus in the U.S. starts at about $18,000, plus delivery.
