Well networked and secured

When Focus Ford has dared a fresh start. Compared to its predecessor, the compact model has made a significant leap forward. In everyday car life that provides a lot of fun.

Who wants to be beautiful must suffer. Says the vernacular. But the new Ford Focus shows how an attractive appearance and a balanced feel-good inner life are combined in harmony.

Optically, the new edition of the Focus is well there. The silhouette of the five-door hatchback launched in the fall is stretched and shallower than that of its predecessor. Its novel and sophisticated Sickenspiel in the flanks or the striking LED lights front and rear look chic. Together with aluminum wheels and metallic paint, the Cologne would probably pull the envious glances of the neighbors pretty safe. 

The clean and, in comparison to its predecessor, clearly clearer interior is also successful. Despite the growing variety of functions, Ford has halved the number of buttons compared to its predecessor. A large touchscreen, chrome trim, soft-touch surfaces and leather at the haptically crucial points ensure a cozy atmosphere. Only in places there is also something brittle-looking hard plastic, which hardly spoils the positive impression. The supply of storage space is good. The large compartment of the center console offers a USB port and an induction charging surface for smartphones. A big win in the winter are in addition to heated front seats additional heating functions for windscreen and steering wheel. 

In addition to the analogue round instruments and a display in the instrument cluster, the Focus Pilot can also display driving-related information via an optional head-up display. For the versatile talented infotainment system Sync 3 as a further display and operating unit is a freestanding touchscreen centrally in the dashboard. Among other things, the Sync 3 allows quick and easy pairing with the smartphone and thus also an uncomplicated use of the hands-free system. In addition, it understands voice commands, which allows, for example, oral entries of destinations for the Navi. The route guidance uses of course real-time traffic information. Thanks to Wi-Fi hotspot, the passenger can also compare them online with Google Maps via his tablet. Small point of criticism: The home button on the touchscreen could easily turn out one size bigger. 

The Focus also shines with a number of assistance systems. So there is a collision warning, which brakes automatically in imminent crash with other cars, pedestrians or cyclists. Also slow down and thus keep the desired distance can be easily adjusted via steering wheel buttons Abstandstempomat, which relieves the driver, especially on highways. The lane driver also keeps inattentive drivers course, while the traffic sign recognition on the currently applicable speed limit enlightens. And intelligent LED headlights ensure good visibility by automatically adapting their light cones to the driving situation thanks to the high-beam auto light and camera-based cornering light.

Amazing generous is the space of the Focus. In addition to the almost 4,40 meter long and 1,83 meter wide body, the wheelbase, which grew by five centimeters on 2,70 meters, is responsible for this. Thus, the compact has reached the level of the second Mondeo generation. At the front, guests are delighted with the large lateral scope for development and the comfortable seating comfort of the optional ergonomic chairs. Rear shows the Ford with generous legroom; The upholstery of the back seat looks a bit soft and windy. Since the transmission tunnel is very shallow, the rear seat also offers a third person a suitable seating position. If you are traveling with small guests, you will enjoy a special feature: When you open the side doors, a moveable rubber protector automatically envelops the most exposed door edge of the door to prevent damage to the paintwork and neighboring parking spaces.

Behind the back seat, there is also plenty of room for luggage: The loadable thanks to two-piece taillights over a wide opening trunk can accommodate 375 liter. The backrest can be folded forward in two parts, which increases the load compartment to 1.354 liters. Clever solutions such as bag hooks, loops for straps and a small through-opening in the middle in the backrest are welcome everyday aids. Also smart: the warning triangle is located underneath the luggage compartment cover and thus remains easily accessible even when the luggage compartment is full.

In very little space, more precisely, little displacement, Ford is driving the drive. At least for the small units of the Ecoboost family, three cylinders have to share a liter. As compensation there is turbo support on the three power levels 63 kW / 85 PS, 74 kW / 100 PS or the 92 kW / 125 PS tested by us. While the smooth-running engine sounds a bit grumpy at start-up and low tempo, it otherwise remains acoustically restrained. Threat or fuel-saving miracle, however, can not be expected: The sprint ends after 10 seconds, maximum 200 km / h are in it. According to Ford fuel consumption is in combination with the pleasantly flipping six-speed transmission to five liters, practically you have to expect more with 1,5 to 2 liters. 

The chassis leaves a positive impression, which - typically Focus - copes well with the balancing act of everyday suitability and agility. Arrows can be swept through with delightful speed and smoothness. The occupants are still spared unnecessary hardships, because the compact Ford is also balanced in terms of comfort. 

Potential Focus buyers could be slightly uneasy about the price issue. With the trend equipment, which is still expandable, Ford is already asking for the 125 hp version for 22.000 euros. But actually it should at least have the recommendable and then 24.000 euro expensive equipment Cool & Connect. In view of the many attractive extras, the price can easily be driven up to over 30.000 euros. A comparable Golf costs a few thousand more.

Ford Focus five-door - Specifications:

Five-door, five-seat compact sedan with front-wheel drive, length: 4,38 meters, width: 1,83 meters, height: 1,45 meters, wheelbase: 2,70 meters, trunk volume: 375 to 1.354 liters.

1,0-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, 92 kW / 125 hp at 6.000 rpm, maximum torque: 170 Nm at 1.400-4.500 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 10,0 s, Vmax: 200 km / h, average consumption: 4,8 - 5,0 l / 100 km, test consumption: 6,5 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 10 - 114 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d-temp, efficiency class AB, price: from 21.700 euros

Brief description:
Why: Because the new Focus is a really successful car in almost all aspects.
Why not: Because progress is also in the money.
What else: VW Golf, Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30, Opel Astra, Renault Megane, Peugeot 308, Toyota Corolla, Fiat Tipo, Honda Civic