The all-new Ford Focus has just been revealed. Ford's popular C-segment hatchback has received a substantial makeover and promises more space, connectivity and is better to drive. Let's meet the newcomer.

The all-new Ford Focus has just been revealed and is promising advances in all departments. It has been completely overhauled and redesigned from the wheels up. Ford claims it has been talking to Focus customers around the world and addressed their concerns. Ford is playing an interesting strategy and is calling its new Focus a global car, with each global region receiving a tailored Focus to suit their needs. While South African spec is yet to be confirmed, Ford will be offering its new Focus in4-door sedan, 5-door estate/wagon and 5-door hatchback body styles. Also depending on the market are the various trims, like Vignale, ST-Line, Active and Titanium.

What's New?

The Focus is available with an 8-inch colour touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard.

The new Ford Focus' overall dimensions have not changed, yet clever packaging has ensured that there's more cabin space for passengers and access is easier. The all-new chassis and suspension, coupled with the 20% improvement in stiffness mean that the Focus will still be enjoyable to drive. A new electric power-assisted steering setup makes its debut on the new Ford Focus.Cabin space has been increased for the rear passengers by extending the wheelbase and flat floor. Shoulder room has increased by nearly 61 mm, whileknee clearance and legroom grows by nearly 51mm and 71mmrespectively.

The key word here is efficiency and Ford claims to have "reduced the number of orderable configurations by as much as 92% versus the previous Focus, reducing from up to 360 configurations to as few as 26, depending on the global market. This complexity reduction helps Ford lower and control costs while ensuring Focus customers can more easily and quickly find the model that meets their needs."

This is the Ford Focus Active – unlikely to arrive in SA, but an interesting prospect

New Technology

Ford's new Focus will be debuting technology such as Co-Pilot360 which Ford says is a suite of advanced driver assist technologies. Other notable tech includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting System, revised Active Park Assist and Evasive Steering Assist which will help drivers steer around objects to avoid collisions. The new Ford Focus will also feature FordPass Connect, which converts the Focus into a Wifi hotspot for up to 10 devices while the FordPass app features a vehicle locator, vehicle status indicator, remote start and door unlock.In the cabin, there is a wireless charging pad and Ford's SYNC3 connectivity.

A new available wireless charging pad beneath the instrument panel enables passengers to easily charge compatible smartphones and mobile devices. Devices can remain connected via Bluetooth to Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system while using wireless charging. The Focus is also available with an 8-inch colour touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard.

The Ford Focus ST-Line, complete with sporty alloys and aggressive kit

New Engines

In terms of engines, the new Ford Focus will be featuring an array of powertrains. There will be Normal, Sport and Eco Modes for the vehicles too. The European market will receivethe award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, plus an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine,1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol motor and a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel. The big news is that Ford will be offering a new optional 8-speed automatic transmission which is claimed to offer great fuel economy and responsive performance. Power will be sent to the front wheels through either the new automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission.

When is it coming to South Africa?

The all-new Ford Focus hits European and Chinese markets in 2018 and it'll reach North America in the second half of 2019. A representative of Ford South Africa suggested that the new Focus could be in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2018, with a bit of luck.

Ford Focus Video

Further Reading

Rendering: Next-gen Ford Focus (2018) – Cars.co.za

Ford Fiesta (2018) International Launch Review

Rendering: VW Golf 8 & GTI coming in 2019

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 Trendline (2017) First Drive

Toyota Corolla 1.8 Exclusive (2017) Quick Review

Kia Cerato 1.6 EX (2017) Review

Is the VW Golf segment dying?

VW Golf 7 specs and prices (2017) in South Africa

Interested in buying a new/used Focus?

Find one to buy on Cars.co.za