Ford Focus Overview
Ford has refreshed the Focus for 2019 model year offering better interior quality, more rear legroom, and boot space and extra onboard technology. The new 2019 Ford Focus(Review) is accessible in hatchback, sedan and wagon body styles (wagon is not available in the U.S.) and features the new Sync infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, an available head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot allowing connectivity for up to 10 devices. Ford has also equipped the new Focus with its CoPilot360 suite of Driver Assist Safety tech. Moreover, it includes a completely automated self-parking system that handles acceleration, braking, and gear selection.
While we cannot deny the Focus’ best-selling credentials, it falls behind its rivals in the interior quality and performance. Ford Focus is a family car that conveys when you need it most.
Models and Engines
In the American markets, the 2019 Ford Focus is available in 2 body styles (sedan and hatchback) and four trim levels namely S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The European and Middle Eastern markets also get it in Wagon configuration. Furthermore, Ford offers two performance models – the ord focus st and ford focus rs. Some markets get the Focus plug-in hybrid model as well.
The engine choices are different for different markets. In the U.S., Ford still did not reveal all the engine options. However, we expect a 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost I-3, an optional 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo-four, but no EcoBlue turbodiesel. We also expect the six-speed automatic as a standard transmission and eight-speed automatic as an option.
If we talk about the UK market, the hatchback model offers 1.0-liter petrol engine producing 84bhp, the 99bhp 1.0-liter Ecoboost 100, and the 123bhp 1.0-liter Ecoboost 125. The diesel fans can opt for the 118bhp 1.5-liter Ecoblue 120 or the 148bhp 2.0-liter Ecoblue 150. These engines are not very quick, so opt for performance models if you need extra oomph.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2019 Ford Focus is very slow on its toes due to its underpowered 1.0L engines. In the lower end of the range, the 123bhp 1.0L engine feels okay if you do not let the revs drop below 2000 rpm. However, the car is fun to drive in normal road conditions and it does not compromise on comfort and ride quality.
Although the engines are slow, they make up for this deficiency by delivering class-leading fuel efficiency of 38 mpg (EPA rating). With its turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder, six-speed manual setup, you can get even better economy i.e. 40 mpg highway by the EPA.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
On the inside, the 2019 Ford Focus does not look advanced. Controls are straightforward and user-friendly. The rear seats now offer more legroom but it is still lesser than most of its rivals. The Sync 3 is a refreshing addition but it is not available for the base variant, which also has limited connectivity facilities. Therefore, you have to increase your budget to opt for SEL or Titanium variant. These come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 availability that also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The maximum cargo capacity is 13.2 cu.ft. for the sedan model and 23.3 cu.ft. for the hatchback model with all seats in place. The boot can accommodate four carry-on suitcases.
Safety Ratings
The 2019 Ford Focus boasts CoPilot360 package of driver assist safety features. It comprises of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, a lane keeping system, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera. The optional facilities include steering-responsive headlights, an evasive steering assist system, and adaptive cruise control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given it a five-star rating; however, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not rate it well in a small overlap crash test. It got ‘Acceptable’ rating.
The Euro NCAP bestowed it with five stars but the adult and child occupant protection ratings are not as satisfactory as achieved by its competitors. The European models do not offer automatic emergency braking (AEB) as standard. However, the UK model does feature AEB which works for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Focus in the UK also comes equipped with lane-keeping assistance and optional Driver Assistance Pack, which includes traffic sign recognition, automatic main beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Focus Ford Pricing Details
Ford did not officially announce the prices for the 2019 Ford Focus in the U.S. markets. The 2018 model was available between $17,950 and $24,270 for the sedan, and $20,540 and $24,470 for the hatchback. For 2019, expect prices to take a little jump. We expect the entry-level sedan to wear a price tag of around $18,200 while the hatchback might cost about $20,700. Of course, the performance versions will be costlier. In the UK, the new Focus starts at around £18,000.
Key Competitors
The biggest competitors of 2019 Ford Focus are Honda Civic, Chevy Cruze, and Hyundai Elantra. The Civic is one of Honda’s most popular compact cars featuring attractive design, great interior facilities, and rendering an excellent drive.
The Cruze is another superb choice for American car lovers carrying a 1.4L turbo yielding 153 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque. The power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy stands at 40 mpg on the highway – similar to the Focus.
Pros:
- Agile handling
- User-friendly touchscreen
- Striking Interior
- Longer Wheelbase, more space
- Full Active Safety suite
Cons:
- Lackluster engines
- Lacks in safety tech for base models
- Lacks fully digital instrument cluster
Our Verdict
The 2019 Ford Focus addresses the issues people faced in the previous models. The interior design has been enhanced and the rear passengers are now more comfortable. The exterior styling is also more aggressive but we cannot say it futuristic. The RS and ST models render the most desired Focus performance. All these are big selling points of the new Focus. Ford only offers 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty without the complimentary scheduled maintenance, which we feel should be a part of the deal.
