Ford Focus 2019 model year: test drive and review of the main characteristics

Test drive and review of the new Ford Focus fourth generation: from Germany with love

The American automaker since the advent of the Escort receiver positioned it as the best car in its segment. And this is the fourth generation Focus confirms its leadership in the compact class hatchbacks the average price category.

Be alive the company’s founder Henry Ford, he would have been this year 155 years, and it would have been incredibly surprised by the success of the enterprise, founded in 1903. Gone are the times when taken extreme measures to reduce production costs for the maximum reduction in price of the famous Model T. Then there was a long and thorny path of the development of the company vertex, which can be considered the creation and implementation of technology Co-Pilot 360.

In the official press release on the Ford Focus model year 2019, it is noted that the system Co-Pilot 360 combines “the most advanced set of standard driver assistance technologies, including emergency braking”. A car equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission, able to Park, to leave the Parking lot and continue until, until the driver holds down the button “P”.

In such a high spec and with the most advanced systems available for mass budget models of the Ford Focus test drive in Germany… we would say that we independently conducted testing of the model, but alas, while in Russia the model is not only not arrived, unknown to even the prices. And some non-official Ford sites expose future model number in the “Basic” configuration. In General, while circle of confusion, consult an experienced foreign opinion.

P. S. Immediately warned that describe the model and its configuration is not the fact that we will have, therefore, cited foreign experience for informational purposes only, not as a call to action.

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… model is equipped with adaptive cruise control with Stop function&Go and hold the lane. Like all semi-automatic technology control car, it requires periodic responses from the driver. In order to prevent the person falling asleep behind the wheel, approximately every 15 s on the TFT-display, a warning message appears. If it does not respond properly, the machine to stop.

And yet, what would be impressive nor was the technology of the autopilot Ford Focus 2019, the company’s engineers have something to surprise even a very experienced rider. Test the car on the track, and this ACE in the hole will be visible. Accelerate your Focus to the speed limit, and take turns on the verge of an uncontrolled skid, You will feel as digital “babysitters” pull You out of a seemingly inescapable trouble. If You don’t have to be distracted from driving.

How much I hated the traction control and artificial limits the maximum speed of the car and I have to agree that Ford Focus 2019 in this regard, it is possible to recognize perfect. The electronic system programmed in such a way that their intervention did not irritate the driver.

Test drive Ford Focus station wagon in the configuration of the ST-Line

Model station wagon, equipped with a-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo with the package ST-Line is in itself a big surprise. The car as it challenges a more elegant hatchback and aims to overtake him. The above mentioned version of the power unit is designed for the Fiesta ST model sold in the European market. The engine has an output of 182 HP and delivers a torque of 240 Nm.

Will there be universal in Russia? Most likely the answer is Yes. Current facelifted third generation is sold in full strength: sedan, hatchback, station wagon.

Combined with a six-speed manual transmission and more than the weight of the Focus Fiesta has the best acceleration dynamics. The machine does not lose power, as had been expected because of the larger mass.

So, we go to the race track Motor Park. For the test drive I was courtesy of the Ford Focus ST with the package-Line, equipped with a-liter engine and EcoBlue aggregated with eight-speed automatic transmission. The Ford company for a number of reasons refused to use powertrain Hydra-Matic 9T50 from General Motors and chose to develop its own automatic transmission.

You ask, as mentioned the gearbox is connected with the problems of the diesel engine EcoBlue? Developed by engineers at Ford powertrain delivers maximum acceleration, combined with the powertrain through the torque Converter it makes the movement of the car is especially smooth. This property highlights Focus on the competition in the compact segment.

Speaking of engines, mention should be made of the two-liter version of the EcoBlue, which is still not developed technology of catalytic afterburning of exhaust gases. Structural unit of the company Ford of Europe has invested a lot of time and effort into this powerplant. It was created in Dunton (England) and in the German centres of research and advanced development. The engine has several features:

• Low torque of 270 Nm between 1750 to 2500 min-1 provides a good pickup during overtaking at high speeds.
• This engine is exceptionally economical and is designed for those who have to travel a lot.
• Data on the real fuel consumption differ from those obtained in the tests. However, these differences are minor for a vehicle of this weight and size.

Briefly summarize their impressions from the test drive of Ford Focus in 2019, they are the most favorable. The car is obedient, easy to manage and quite dynamic. Security autopilot and significantly simplify the driving and make it exceptionally enjoyable.

A few words about the interior Ford Focus

The Americans have a saying which translated into Russian sounds like “If it’s not broken — don’t fix it.” Ford has adhered to the non-standard approach to interior design. In a nutshell it can be formulated as the abundance of plastic and good quality. However, the developers have tried to improve the situation with trim Vignale by the use of soft and pleasant to the touch leather fine dressing. Designers managed to sweeten the pill, but for a car positioned as the best in the segment expected more attention to the quality of the materials used.

Tapping on the plastic panels in the lower part of the interior clearly shows that Ford is starting to save. According to the announced plans in the coming years the company plans to reduce the number of platforms from nine to five with maximum standardization of units. In this endeavor, the American manufacturer is not alone and follows the example of such as German automakers Volkswagen and the Indian Mahindra.

By the way it Focus in 2019 became the first model developed on the newest platform C2. In the apt words of the head of the engineering Department of Ford Europa new architecture becomes a kind of Holy Grail for developers. The basis of her philosophy is based on the modularity, which, along with the full cost reduction is becoming a defining trend of car development.

• Back to picking Vignale, note that in version with liter EcoBoost engine, the car will have torsion bar suspension. In the variant with a-liter powertrain rear suspension will already be independent.
• With regard to the new C2 platform, it certainly is a big step forward compared to the previous architecture of the Global C (C1). It allows for the electrification of the car. Ford is actively working on a version of the car with a hybrid power plant. In the year 2020 to a new platform is planned to transfer the model of the Kuga (known in the U.S. as the Escape) and the Lincoln MKC.

We conclude the excursion into the higher realms and back to the fourth generation of Ford Focus. Catches the eye is the abundance of buttons on the dashboard, severely impairing its design. However, the company’s engineers took into account a lot more, which made the car really comfortable:

The volume of the trunk of the car with a station wagon with folded rear couch is 1650 L. the five-Door hatchback is also quite good, especially considering one very original solution: under the raised floor are the subwoofer and the full-size spare wheel. So the wonders of tight — even models with additional audiisti B&O Play come with a normal spare.

Modern repair kits for tyres now in favor, they free up interior space and much cheaper than a spare wheel. However, these devices do not always help when the damage to the tires is more serious than a simple puncture. For this judgment, and manifested a concern for the motorist Ford deserves every encouragement.

A special praise would like to honor for the plastic trim, protecting the door edge. It was introduced in 2011 and first installed on the Ford Focus in 2012. Replacement of this inexpensive part is cheaper than repainting the damaged body of the item.

Another interesting point is the display on the windshield. The technology used is different from the one that provides the projection of the instrument readings on the glass like the BMW. HUD provides excellent visibility, even in the case when the driver wears polarized sunglasses.

Focus Mk IV known under the code name C519 boasts a special quality of the headlamps, which are designed using LEDs. Distant light this adaptive system does not glare, and the special function increases the width beam if the camera forward view recognises the signs of the circular motion and the sharp turn.

As mentioned in the beginning of the story, picking in Russia would seem a few others. However, test drive something foreign, so it is interesting to look over the fence to the neighbor. There they are, just yet a model has not appeared.

The system of prevention of emergency situations

A special program to Evasive Steering Assist is designed to minimize the danger of collisions with other cars and objects on the road. The electronic system mounted on Ford Focus 2019, determines the possibility of an accident and provides assistance to the driver in its prevention. It helps to turn the wheel in the direction of allowing you to get away from collisions.

However, the technology of preventing emergency does not prevent the driver in taking action on evasion from the threats identified. Program is Evasive Steering Assist is made in such a way that allows you to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction if the situation requires.

Exterior design

Exterior Ford Focus 2019 is not original. The car is a complex cocktail that blends Ford signature features at the front side of the projection profiles from Lexus and feed from Mazda. Long wheelbase and short overhangs give the car a dynamic. However, if you’re not careful in the process of tuning an excessive number of items of kit can completely spoil in General good appearance of the car.

The trim Trend and Titanium chrome moldings look a little clumsy. Vignale makes the best impression thanks to the unusual design of the front bumper. Package ST-Line in the author’s opinion — the best choice. Dual exhaust tips, aggressive spoiler and original side skirts coupe with alloy wheels Metallic Rock with Y-shaped spokes gives the car an unusual appearance. This car will definitely stand out in a common transport stream.

Prices and specifications

Move on to pricing issues. In Europe, Ford incurs losses for several years and is no longer a secret. However, despite the financial difficulties renewed Focus in Germany will cost 200 euros (15.500 roubles) is cheaper than the previous modification.

The price is made in Saarlouis Focus will start from 18 700 Euro (1.450.000 rubles), so asking for Trend with 125-horsepower variant of the EcoBoost and six-speed manual transmission. Standard — this is clearly not something that will make Your heart beat accelerated. But on the other hand what else can you expect from a compact hatchback. In the basic configuration has:

• Led running lights.
• 16-inch tires on steel stamped disks.
• Pre-Collision Assist with Forward Alert function
• The detection of pedestrians and cyclists
• Leather braid on the steering wheel and shift lever.
• Air conditioning.
• Lane Assistant Lane Assist with Kepping.
• Intelligent speed limiter.
• Adjustable lumbar support on driver’s seat.

If we consider that the composition of the Trend in Germany, too basic, as in Russia, based on the logic of the policy of Ford in our market should also be a price reduction on the model. But even if that happens, then the constant smooth growth of the price tags we hardly notice…

Therefore, our assumption – Focus, perhaps, if not more expensive, and the cheaper it will not give. In principle, this is progress in the bleak market situation in the automotive market…

Considering all the above, it is worth noting that Ford Focus 2019 is really good. The model has maintained its leadership in the segment of compact vehicles not belonging to the premium class. The machine incorporated a lot of technological innovations that provide it with certain advantages over the closest competitor model Mazda 3. The car is able to satisfy the needs of most demanding customers.

The attentive reader might accuse the author of bias and ask why it was not mentioned at all Volkswagen Golf?

The fact is that between these cars there is no competition, at least until the new generation Golf. In the cheapest option in Germany, this machine will cost 18250 euros, but is this three-door hatchback 15 inch wheels, with a set of tire repair instead of a spare liter TSI engine with diesel particulate filter. The power unit generates only 84 BHP which together with a five-speed gearbox makes it not too suitable for travel on motorways.

In this segment, there are more affordable alternatives which include Hyundai i30. But as long as the price is not the determining factor when choosing a new car, understanding the buyer will focus on the model with the best balance of cost and quality.