The Ford Focus has been updated inside and out for 2022, mirroring the facelift given to its smaller Fiesta sibling last month, with prices starting at £22,465 for entry-level ‘Trend’ versions and rising to £33,885 for range-topping ‘ST’ models.
On sale since 2018, it’s hoped the changes can reignite interest in the Focus nameplate at a time when sales have struggled against new C-segment rivals and local consumers’ appetite for crossovers and SUVs continues to grow.
The VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra rival has been subtly redesigned, most notably at the front where it receives a new LED headlamp design that has the fog lights built into them. A reshaped front bumper and an enlarged grille where the company badge is now found also feature. Fewer changes have been applied to the rear of the Focus, save for the split tail-lights that have a smoked finish and new ‘loop light pattern’.
Each model in the new Focus line-up takes on its own unique look; whereas the grille on plush ‘Titanium’ cars has a chrome surround and horizontal bar pattern, the honeycomb configuration on performance STs is framed in gloss black.
Sporting ‘ST-Line’ cars add side skirts, an extended roof mounted spoiler and subtle rear diffuser, while lifestyle-orientated ‘Active’ is identifiable thanks to protective body cladding, faux skid plates and a raised ride height for improved ground clearance.
Ford is also introducing the “ultimate luxury specification” ‘Vignale Pack’ for Titanium, ST-Line and Active models on top of five new alloy wheel designs.
Interior upgrades come in the form of Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment system and the upscaling of the multimedia screen to 13.25-inches. Mounted on top of the dashboard, it incorporates controls for heating and ventilation for a “cleaner and less cluttered” centre console.
As with the previous system, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, although this time media content can be streamed wirelessly and software updates can be accepted over-the-air.
Now available in ‘Mean Green’ – a colour debuted by the Puma ST – the Focus ST sits on 18-inch alloys or optional 19-inch rims as part of the ‘X Pack’. Inside, it features all-new, 14-way adjustable Performance Seats that have been developed in-house by Ford.
One major change to the revised ST line-up is the decision to drop diesel power, leaving the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol as the sole engine in the line-up.
It remains unchanged and continues to produce a healthy 276bhp for a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a 137mph top speed. This is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual or 7-speed torque converter automatic transmission. An electronic limited-slip differential helps front-end traction.
The Focus retains its 1-litre, three-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine. Developing either 123bhp or 153bhp, for the first time it is offered with a 7-speed automatic. A 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel is carried across and is exclusively available with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that can deliver a claimed 56.5mpg on the WLTP cycle.
The Focus will be available in hatchback and a roomier estate bodystyle that has seen its luggage compartment heavily revamped to include easier to clearn carpet material, an extra side load net, twin LED lights for improved illumination, an adjustable load floor and a “wet zone” that has a water-resistant liner.
