Ford Focus

The compact dashboard has been designed such that it adds 100mm extra space to the cabin. In terms of comfort, the legroom at the back has improved over the previous model. Also, the seats in front could also be pushed back to make room for tall passengers. While the cabin layout allows ample room, it doesn’t appeal in aesthetic terms. What works for it, is the uncluttered look with lesser buttons on the dashboard. The cloth seat covers in front are quite basic, though it provides ample comfort and good back support. While rear seats are snug, it misses out on an armrest; also missing at the back are air-con vents and USB sockets. Another welcoming change is the addition of a new floating touchscreen and Ford’s latest Sync3 infotainment system which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto & Apple link, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite navigation with traffic message channel and voice-activated controls. Ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, rearview mirror, leather steering wheels, etc. are some of the comfort bits packed inside. 

The new Ford Focus gets copious design changes, featuring a plethora of new elements. First up, it measures around 18 mm longer than the previous version. Also, there is a change in the structure of the vehicle, courtesy the underpinnings. The grille in front reminisces the old unit in the preceding model, albeit, there is a stark change in the rest of the styling. Up close, the nose looks longer and subdued, also there are new irregular shaped headlights. Placed above the headlamps are LED-equipped daytime running lights. At the flanks, it now gets simpler window panel with a larger aperture for the rear passenger, thanks to the newly affixed door glass. Alloy wheels are available in different sizes (16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch), depending on the variant. Styling tweaks have also been extended to the rear, the raised look at the back has been replaced with a more leveled and lower semblance, which works perfectly well for the vehicle. 

One of the talking points of the 2019 Ford Focus range is its sports suspension. Set a tad lower than the previous model, it enables improved handling. The light-weight steering is crisp and responsive, that all together works well with the well-balanced chassis. Riding the new Focus range around the city and on highways offers a similar kind of experience. It is both comfortable and enjoyable. 

Power on the fourth-generation Ford Focus range is derived from a 1.5-litre, three-cylindrer, turbo EcoBoost petrol engine tuned to put out 134 kW at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm torque between 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. While there is no change in the torque output, the power sees a minor increase of 2kW. Also, the six-speed automatic gearbox has been dumped for a new eight-speed torque converter which sends power to the front wheels. Missing out on a manual unit, the Ford Focus range is claimed to return a combined fuel economy of 6.4 l/100km.

The braking system is potent and there is a whole lot of equipment ensuring the safety of the occupants. That said, it packs six airbags, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, anti-lock-braking system, blind spot information system, child seat ISOFIX anchorage points and cruise control with speed limiter. It additionally comes with hill launch assist, intelligent speed assistance, lane keep aid with lane departure warning, etc. 

Sporting more refined looks, the 2019 Ford Focus range gets a smaller, yet powerful engine. It is packed with a plethora of goodies and safety bits. The interior is roomier, though rear vents missing at the back pinch a bit.