New Focus starts at £13,995 02 | 09 | 2014
FORD'S NEW FOCUS, which goes on sale at Scottish dealerships in November, will start at £13,995, the same price as the current model.
The biggest-selling global car in the Ford stable — the Blue Oval badge has also been the top-selling marquee in Scotland so far this year — the new generation has undergone a significant update which adds more sophisticated technology, improved cabin quality and new powertrains.
In addition, there's also a number of cosmetic revisions bolstered by a raft of chassis and handling tweaks.
The range retains a six-level line-up of Studio (from £13,995), Style (£16,795), Zetec (£18,295), Zetec S (£20,045), Titanium (£19,795) and Titanium X (£21,795). Worth highlighting the prices of the high-level Titanium and Titanium X versions are £100 less than the current equivalents.
The £13,995 entry-level model will remain as the 1.6-litre TI-VCT petrol in Studio trim: it will come as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. The entry-level diesel, powered by Ford's 1.6TDCi mated to a six-speed manual, will be the £17,895 Style. Meanwhile the cheapest estate will be 1.6-litre petrol, costing £17,880.
Instantly noticeable is the fact Ford's designers have refreshed the new Focus aesthetically. In addition to new bumpers and lights, there's a dominant new trapezoidal grille which has been positioned higher up on the car's nose.
Related: Ford leads the way as Scots new car sales rise 8.68%
The five chromed bars with a chrome surround featured in the photograph above will be standard on top-spec Titanium models: entry-level and mid-spec models will feature a matt-black mesh grille. To be honest, I think the matt-black version will look more earthy, cooler and sportier than the shiny chrome version.
Ford will also introduce a range of revised engines aimed specifically at keeping the Focus competitive with rivals. The range will include a new 88g/km diesel and 99g/km petrol, and all engines will meet strict EU6 regulations.
In addition to a new Dagenham-built 1.5TDCi with outputs of 94bhp and 118bhp, the Focus will also be the first Ford to be fitted with a new Bridgend-built 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine: tis will be available with a choice of 148bhp and 177bhp power outputs.
While entry-level models will continue to be powered by the 1.0-litre EcoBoost in either 99bhp or 123bhp versions, there will also be a new version which will offer 99g/km: Ford claims this model is the first non-hybrid family hatch to slot below 100g/km.
Diesel economy has also improved significantly, with the 2.0TDCi boasting a 14%improvement when matched to a manual transmission and 13 per cent with the auto. Ford will a introduce a 1.5TDCi which will be mated to a Powershift auto: promises a 19% improvement in economy.
The advanced new Ford Focus also builds on its reputation for technology, which since 2011 has featured automated parallel parking, Active City Stop low-speed collision avoidance, Traffic Sign Recognition to monitor and record road signs and Blind Spot Information System, as optional equipment.
Related: Scots launch for Ford safety campaign
The new Focus is the first Ford to offer Perpendicular Parking, an additional hands-free parking technology to help drivers reverse into spaces alongside other vehicles.
Today’s Ford Focus debuted Active Park Assist that, at the push of a button, uses ultrasonic sensors to locate parking spaces and steer the vehicle while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. The addition of new sensors to the rear enables Perpendicular Parking to operate in the same way.
These extra sensors also enable technologies that help drivers as they manoeuvre out of parking spaces:
Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may be about to pass behind them;
Park-Out Assist helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space. After the driver has chosen either the left or right hand side, the system operates the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake
New Focus will also be offered with Ford’s second generation connectivity interface, SYNC2. Featuring a high-resolution, eight-inch colour touch screen and voice control to access audio, navigation, climate control and mobiles phones. SYNC 2’s navigation system also offers a split-screen display for the first time on a Ford vehicle in Europe.
Ford’s innovative MyKey aid for novice drivers will also appear on the new Focus. The Ford MyKey technology, which debuted on Fiesta, lets owners programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and can disable it altogether if the driver and passengers are not using safety belts.
"The Ford Focus is the UK’s favourite family car, so the launch of the new model is an exciting time,” Mark Ovenden, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said. “With unmatched levels of technology and impressive fuel economy, combined with Ford’s traditional driving dynamics and competitive pricing, we believe that the new car will not only delight our existing customers but also expand the appeal of the Focus brand.”
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Jim McGill