Ford has significantly improved the fourth generation version of its Focus. With smarter looks and extra technology, it'll still give its rivals plenty to think about, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Review

The Ford Focus has evolved, this improved version of the MK4 model offering slicker looks, a much improved 'SYNC4' infotainment system and extra technology. The best part though, is that this car should still remain as rewarding to drive as it's always been. The Focus might have grown up but it certainly hasn't lost its spark.

Background

It's very difficult to over-state the importance of the Focus family hatch to Ford's European business. To understand its significance, press the rewind button for a moment and shuttle back to 1997. Ford's family hatch contender during this period was the fifth generation Escort, a car so all-encompassingly woeful that the brand was almost embarrassed to sell it. When the time came for a replacement, we all expected something better. What we got in the Focus model first launched in 1998 was something much, much more than that, a car that, at a stroke, offered arguably the biggest step forward in family car design the market has ever seen.

It was asking a lot for the MK2 model we saw in 2005 to repeat such a seismic step forward but that second generation Focus was still quite good enough to remain acclaimed as the driver's choice. The MK3 version, launched early in 2011, tried to provide class-leading handling. That's also been the goal with this more sophisticated MK4 model, announced in the Spring of 2018, then updated three years on to create the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

As before, the ride isn't overly firm, but body control through the bends is still exemplary, allowing you at the wheel to make the most of the stiff C2 platform, the feelsome power steering and the torque vectoring control system that helps you get the power down through the bends. It all combines to create a car that really can still reward at the wheel, even in its most affordable forms: there's still nothing else in this segment that feels quite the same.

The engine range was significantly updated as recently as 2020 with Ford's latest Mild Hybrid technology and of course that's carried forward, with electrified MHEV 125 and 155PS versions of Ford's 1.0-litre three cylinder EcoBoost petrol unit. You can now though, get this 48-volt powerplant with the option of a 7-speed Powershift auto gearbox. For entry-level customers, this three cylinder EcoBoost engine also continues to be offered in non-electrified 125PS form. Higher mileage drivers will be pleased to see that the 1.5-litre 120PS EcoBlue diesel engine's been retained in the range - you can have that with 8-speed auto transmission. And at the top of the line-up, the ST hot hatch continues on with the 280PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol unit.

Design and Build

Both hatch and estate versions of this improved Focus are marked out by smarter LED headlamps with built-in foglights. plus the brand badge has been moved from the bonnet to the front grille. And the darker rear tail lamps have a smarter 'loop light' illuminating signature. As before, there are separate styling details to mark out the different trim levels, with varying front grille designs for 'Titanium', 'ST-Line', 'Active' and 'ST' versions. The 'Active' model, as before, gets SUV-style visual changes, including extra lower body cladding, larger side vents and a higher ride height.

Bigger changes are reserved for the cabin, which now features a larger 13.2-inch 'SYNC4' central touchscreen. In a controversial move, Ford has decided that this monitor should now incorporate the ventilation controls, giving the dashboard a cleaner, less cluttered look. We're not sure that this is actually a step forward but the infotainment system's ability to now accept over-the-air updates certainly is; as a result, you'll get into your Focus one morning and find it able to do something it couldn't do the day before - which is rather cool.

Market and Model

Pricing hasn't changed much, kicking off from around £22,500 and running up to around £34,000 for the top ST hot hatch. The Focus range kicks off with the base 'Zetec Edition' variant, before progressing through 'Titanium Edition' and 'Titanium X Edition' - or 'ST-Line Edition' and 'ST-Line X Edition' variants. An SUV-style 'Active Edition' version (with an 'X'-spec option) and an 'ST' hot hatch (with an 'ST EDition' option) are also available. Equipment levels reflect the fact that typical customers will probably be paying somewhere in the £25,000 bracket for this once very affordable family hatch.

New safety systems added across the range include 'Blind Spot assist', 'Intersection assist' and 'Local Hazard Information' (which can warn drivers of hazardous situations on the road ahead). Plus there's 'Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go', 'Speed Sign Recognition' and 'Lane Centring'. 'Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking' helps drivers avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while 'Active Park Assist' operates gear selection, acceleration and braking to enable fully automated parking manoeuvres simply by holding down a button.

Cost of Ownership

Ford has re-fettled its engines in recent times pursuit of greater efficiency. The biggest change has been the introduction, back in 2020, of 48-volt MHEV mild hybrid technology for the brand's core 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit. With a manual gearbox, this returns combined cycle fuel efficiency from 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 116g/km. With the 7-speed Powershift automatic gearbox fitted to the 1.0-litre MHEV engine, up to 47.9mpg and up to 119g/km of CO2 is possible. The MHEV system uses a beefed-up starter/generator driven by a belt at the front of the engine that stores the energy harvested when you brake or decelerate in a tiny 48-volt lithium-ion battery secreted at the back of the car.

As for the warranty, well like all Fords, this one comes with a 36-month 60,000-mile package that also includes one year of Europe-wide breakdown assistance. On top of that, there's an anti-corrosion guarantee for 12 years. Ford also offers the chance to extend this cover - to either four years and 80,000 miles or five years and 100,000 miles.

Summary

In short, if you can afford the asking prices, you'll find that here's a family hatchback that now has its priorities right, a car that's grown up, but one that still knows how to enjoy itself. Smarter and more sensible, it is, more than ever, number one for a reason.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Ford Focus

PRICES: From £22,465

INSURANCE GROUP: 5-42 (TBC)

CO2 EMISSIONS: 0-175-g/km - est

PERFORMANCE: [1.0 Ecoboost 100PS] Top Speed 124mph 0-62mph 10s - est

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5-litre EcoBlue] 56.5mpg (combined)

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Electronic stability control, ABS with brake assist, twin front and side, knee and curtain airbags

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4397/1825/1483mm (TBC)