2018 All New Ford Focus Review

Published Date: 6th Sep 2018

2018 Ford Focus Exterioe PhotoThe Ford Focus is and has been one the UK’s best-selling cars for many years, it's the leader of the pack in the popular medium hatchback family car class, facing stiff competition from other popular car models like the refined VW Golf and the Vauxhall Astra.

Such is the popularity of the Focus that Ford sold more of this model alone last year than some rival car manufacturers sold from their entire model range.

What makes the Focus so popular is it does everything very well or better and it’s appeal is wide, from families looking for practicality to businesses looking for low running costs or somebody looking for an exciting drive there's something in the line-up for everyone.

What's New With The Latest Ford Focus Model?

The latest new Focus model has undergone a complete makeover and when we say new model it is literally that, based on a new ‘C2’ platform with a complete exterior makeover that in our opinion is massive upgrade on the outgoing model. There’s also a revised interior that features a lot of refinement and improvement in materials. Whilst the interior refinement may not quite match the VW Golf it is however a big improvement on the outgoing Ford Focus model and it stands up well when compared to many of its competitors. The interior also features new gadgets and a new 8-inch infotainment system with an array of options for controlling most features of the vehicle.

2918 Ford Focus Interior ImageThe all-new Ford boasts plenty of new gadgets, tech and safety features including Ford’s Co-Pilot360 which is a collection of driver aids including adaptive cruise control, stop and go, lane keep assist and parking assist. There’s also state-of-the-art safety features like Active Braking and Pre-Collision Assist with detection of Cyclists and Pedestrians, the system alerts the driver and can apply the brakes automatically in case of an impending collision. There’s also the optional ‘FordPass Connect’ that offers features like Live Traffic, Wi-Fi Hotspot and eCall (emergency call) which can automtically call the emergency services in a collision.

The new Ford Focus Titanium model is well equipped and our recommendation if you have the budget for it. The Titanium model boasts a long list of euipment including dual zone air con, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, sat nav, 8-inch infotainment system, sat nav and FordPass Connect.

The new Ford Focus’s C2 platform also increases the wheelbase by over 5cm meaning a tad more room inside for families and you’ll find plenty of head and legroom in the front and rear of the Focus. The boot offers 375 litres of space, while its not a class leader it’s still pretty generous as is cabin space. If you need more space the split 60/40 rear seats fold down near to completely flat for extra space for suitcases, shopping etc. The boot also features an adjustable load floor which is dual purpose, lower it to increase overall boot space or it can be elevated to provide and 'out of sight' lower storage area.

Which Engine Is Best In the New Ford Focus Line-up

Ford Ecoboost EngineWith diesels still recovering from bad press and the revised road tax bands Ford are expecting their multi-award winning 1.0 Ecoboost engines to be the big sellers. Available in 85bhp, 100bhp and 125bhp guises. There are more powerful 1.5 Ecoboost engines available on some models but we think the 85bhp Ecoboost models are great to keep running costs low for a single driver doing a lot of around town driving and commuting. The 85bhp unit feels a little underpowered though if you are frequently travelling on motorways or carrying a full load of passengers. In such cases the 1.0 Ecoboost (125bhp) is a better option and should offer a good balance of power vs efficiency. The Ecoboost engines incorporate some clever Ford technology that can deactivate one of the cylinders when power demands are low thus increasing fuel economy.

There are also 1.5 and 2.0 litre diesel options although sales of the diesel models are expected to slow, partly because of the bad perception of diesel engines at the moment and also because the Ecoboost petrol engines are so good.

The range of engines come with a choice of either 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.

An improved chassis and improvements in handling mean the new Focus feels refined on more demanding surfaces feeling and responsive around corners whilst motorway cruising is a pleasant and smooth experience.

The 2018 new Ford Focus has wide appeal and the latest model builds and improves in every department on what was a very solid vehicle. If you in the market for a mid-sized hatchback then you have to put the Focus on your shortlist.