New Ford Focus Active on the way | New Release - Car News Nov 2018

13:45 Friday 23 Nov 2018

Ford are hoping to woo SUV and crossover buyers with the rugged new Focus Active five-door and estate models, which go on sale in January.

With their raised ride-height and bespoke chassis configuration, the all-new Ford Focus Active will offer both an optimised driving position for urban driving as well as the confidence to tackle rough road surfaces. The short long arm independent rear suspension system has unique springs, dampers, and stabiliser bars, while ride height is raised 30mm at the front and at the 34mm rear over the standard Focus. Rough road ride is enhanced by the fitting of higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres to the 17-inch alloy wheels. These characteristics are supported by the inclusion of Slippery and Trail modes to the list of Selectable Drive Modes, plus standard roof rails to help carry bicycles or sports equipment. As with the all-new Focus launched earlier this year, the Focus Active boasts the most up-to-date versions of Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Front Lighting System and Active Park Assist systems.

Unique styling details include a dark grille with mesh pattern, complimentary body style mouldings, model-specific front and rear bumpers, silver-finish front and rear skid plates, and new alloy wheel designs. New Metropolis White and Orange Glow hues have been added to the list of available paint finishes.

The interior includes leather steering wheel, gearknob with leather grip, bright elements on the dashboard and door panels, Active-branded scuff plates, high-bolstered seats trimmed with unique Active cloth featuring blue stitching, the latter complimented by blue-stitched mats. A longer wheelbase and flat floor offers greater interior space, while a narrower centre console, electric parking brake and rotary gear shift dial for the eight-speed automatic transmission also free up more space for the driver and front passenger. Rear passenger knee clearance amd rear shoulder room is also improved, while accessing the load is made easy by the inclusion of Ford’s Hands-free tailgate technology with kick motion activation. Load space is a 1653-litre maximum capacity.

Fords SYNC 3 communications and entertainment technology allows drivers to control audio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using voice commands, and has an 8-inch colour touchscreen operated using pinch and swipe gestures. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New FordPass Connect onboard modem technology turns the Active into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices, and an available Wireless charging pad beneath the instrument panel enables occupants to easily charge compatible smartphones and stay connected on the move.

Engine options include 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol units, as well as 1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel power plants, all combined with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy of up to 78.5mpg combined and CO2 emissions as low as 93g/km are possible dependent on the engine selected.

Order books for the all-new Ford Focus Active crossover open from January 2019, with prices starting from £21,900.