New Ford Focus Heads to North America in 2019
Ford has introduced one of its first vehicles delivered using the company’s revamped product development process.
The all-new Ford Focus has been redesigned from the wheels up, after the American automaker conducted hundreds of hours of research. Ford studied and spoke with Focus customers around the world and as a result, the next-generation Focus will be tailored to each global region. For its introduction however, Ford unveiled three body styles: a four-door sedan, five-door wagon, and five-door hatchback. Trim models making their debut include the luxurious Focus Vignale, sporty ST-Line, adventure-oriented Active, and upscale Titanium.
The new Focus will head to Europe and China this year, before going on sale in North America in the second half of 2019.
It’s one of the first vehicles that will be delivered using Ford’s updated product development process, which it says uses “human-centered design to better deliver the models, features, and technologies customers around the world truly value.”
That means the Focus features a longer hood with cab-rearward interior, providing a strong, reassuring on-road presence. Its overall dimensions are actually unchanged compared to its predecessor, despite looking bigger. There is however, more interior space than before, and more cargo area in the larger global Focus models.
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When it arrives on the market, the number of configurations being offered will be reduced by as much as 92 percent, from up to 360 configurations to as few as 26. All customers in the world however will benefit from advanced and innovative technology that aims to keep customers connected and safe on the road. That includes Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver assist technologies that include adaptive cruise control, Ford’s adaptive front lighting system, active park assist, and evasive steering assist. Availability of the technologies may vary by region. The Focus will also be equipped with FordPass Connect embedded modem technology, giving it internet connectivity.
North American powertrain options will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s launch next year, but in China, the Focus will be available with a range of gasoline engines including a 1.0-liter EcoBoost and an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost. In Europe, the Focus adds a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine.
“We’re evolving our successful One Ford strategy to find new ways to create a sporty-looking small car our customers will love,” said Jim Farley, president of Global Markets. “We’ll tailor which cars in the Focus line-up we offer in markets around the world to ensure we best meet customers’ different needs and preferences.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Why are you guys showing different variants of the Mazda 3 in the photos?
I'll buy a Chinese made car when hell freezes over. Its bad enough I have to send them money for all the tech gear I have. At least they're not big ticket items.