COLOGNE, Germany, Nov. 21, 2018 – The all-new Ford Focus Active crossover introduces SUV-inspired versatility to the confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding all-new Focus driving experience.
Available in spacious five-door hatchback and wagon body styles with rugged exterior styling, the Focus Active features raised ride-height and a bespoke chassis configuration to retain class-leading Focus driving dynamics while delivering enhanced rough-road ability and a higher driving position for more confident urban and highway driving.
The active lifestyles of Europe’s growing numbers of SUV and crossover customers are further supported by the addition of bespoke Slippery and Trail modes to the Focus Active’s Selectable Drive Modes, and standard roof rails to help carry bicycles or sports equipment.
Sophisticated powertrain options* include Ford’s powerful and fuel efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engines delivering up to 182 PS, and Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines delivering up to 150 PS – combined with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Advanced driver assistance features first introduced with the all-new Focus earlier this year include more advanced versions of Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Front Lighting System, and Active Park Assist technologies.
“Ford SUV sales grew more than 19 per cent in October year over year, and SUVs now account for more than one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe. Our Active family of crossover models offers a further compelling SUV-style option for customers,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service. Ford of Europe. “The all-new Focus Active does more than just look the part – its bespoke chassis and new Selectable Drive Mode options deliver genuine rough-road capability for families who want to explore off the beaten track.”
The all-new Focus Active is the third in Ford’s new family of Active crossover models, following the introduction of the all-new Fiesta Active and new KA+ Active models earlier this year.
Rough road-capable. Fun to drive
Equipped as standard in five-door and wagon body styles with Ford’s sophisticated short long arm (SLA) independent rear suspension configuration, the Focus Active chassis features unique springs, dampers, stabiliser bars, and front and rear knuckle geometries, alongside a ride height raised 30 mm front and 34 mm rear over the standard Focus.
The SLA system optimises comfort and response, and features an isolated subframe that delivers a desirable balance between front and rear compliance over larger bumps in the road, for smoother journeys. Multi-compound bushes feature different stiffness characteristics when stressed in different directions, for better isolation of smaller bumps and improved noise, vibration and harshness. A unique SLA geometry for the wagon model repositions the dampers helping the vehicle remain agile and responsive even with a fully loaded boot, and helping maximise boot space with a wider load-floor area.
For improved rough road ride and durability, 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres; 18-inch wheels with 215/50 R18 tyres are also available. In addition to the Normal, Sport and Eco Selectable Drive Modes equipped as standard for all Focus models, the Focus Active introduces:
Rugged, spacious and versatile
Unique styling details deliver a distinctive, versatile and rugged character for the Focus Active inside and out. A dark grille with unique mesh pattern features a dark surround, echoed by the protective cladding that flows from the front bumper lip, through the wheel arches and side profile to the rear.
Front and rear bumper designs are also unique to the Focus Active variant, as are silver-finish front and rear skid plates, and alloy wheel designs. Vibrant paint colours include new Metropolis White and Orange Glow, and customers can also opt for a contrast colour roof depending on body colour.
Inside the cabin, a leather steering wheel and gearknob with a leather grip, bright elements on the dashboard and door panels, and Active scuff plates deliver a high-quality feel. The high-bolstered seats are trimmed with distinctive Active cloth featuring blue stitching, and mats with blue stitching are also available.
The all-new Focus delivers more interior space supported by a more than 50 mm longer wheelbase (compared to outgoing model) and flat floor. Front seat occupants enjoy generous shoulder room of 1,421 mm, and instrument panel positioning is optimised for greater space. 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 is improved by more than 50 mm compared with the outgoing Focus, for a best-in-class 81 mm. Rear shoulder-room is increased by almost 60 mm compared with the outgoing Focus. The impression of spaciousness is enhanced with a rear door design featuring windows that stretch into the rear pillar for a more open sensation.
Comfort and convenience features help make the Focus Active even more versatile for adventurous families. Accessing the load area with arms full of camping gear is made easier using Ford’s Hands-free tailgate technology, that allows access to the wagon boot space with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper.
The family’s best friend can join the adventures, too – the wagon’s boot space has been designed to accommodate a large dog crate with 1653-litre maximum capacity. Ford engineers have even created a solution to the challenge of where to place the wagon’s tonneau cover once removed, too: it now fits neatly beneath the new flexible load floor, and is easier to remove with a simple pull-strap release.
Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment technology allows drivers to control audio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands, and is supported by an 8-inch colour touchscreen that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, and is available alongside a premium B&O audio system that ensures everyone in the car can enjoy the soundtrack to their adventure with a concert-hall experience.
New FordPass Connect onboard modem technology for the Focus even 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.
Effortless cruising with advanced engines and technologies
The all-new Focus Active delivers the comprehensive range of sophisticated driver assistance technologies introduced to the all-new Focus earlier this year. Advanced technologies seamlessly integrated to enable an intuitive, stress-reducing and refined driving experience include:
Focus Active customers can choose from a range of advanced Ford EcoBoost petrol and Ford EcoBlue diesel engines delivering optimised power and refinement. Powertrains are supported by standard Auto Start-Stop for reduced running costs; and slick-shifting six-speed manual or new eight-speed automatic transmissions for effortless cruising. The sophisticated eight-speed automatic adapts to different driving styles to offer optimised gear changes.
Ford’s multi-award-winning 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers from 107 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.8 l/100 km fuel efficiency. Ford’s 150 PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine delivers from 121 g/km and 5.3 l/100 km. Ford’s 120 PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers from 93 g/km and 3.5 l/100 km. Ford’s 150 PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers from 114 g/km and 4.4 l/100 km.
Manufactured using industry-first processes at Ford’s Saarlouis assembly facility, Germany, the all-new Ford Focus Active crossover is now available to order.
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Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc.
FordPass Connect is an optional extra. The on-board modem will be connected at the time of vehicle delivery. You may choose to opt in/opt out of certain data sharing. The technology will be made available in selected markets in 2018, with the remaining markets following through 2019.
Live Traffic access is complimentary for the first 2 years following the purchase of a new Ford featuring SYNC 3 with navigation; thereafter a licence fee is payable.
Wi-Fi Hotspot (up to 4G) includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins at time of activation and expires at the end of 3 months or when 3GB of data is used, whichever comes first. Afterwards a subscription to Vodafone is required, refer to their website for detail of their data packages. To take advantage of the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a 2018 Ford vehicle must come with the appropriate hardware, and a data plan is required. Data coverage and service is not available everywhere and terms of your data plan, including applicable message and data rates, may apply.
*The declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel-efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.
From 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles will be type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) according (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended, which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. From 1 September 2018 the WLTP will fully replace the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the current test procedure. During NEDC Phase-out, WLTP fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are being correlated back to NEDC. There will be some variance to the previous fuel economy and emissions as some elements of the tests have altered i.e., the same car might have different fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and eight unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
