[ad_1]
For its twenty years, the Focus is available in multiple versions. We tried two.
Last April, in London, Ford unveiled its new Focus. This is the fourth generation of a flagship model born in 1998, 20 years ago. At the time, the American manufacturer was not afraid of words, considering that it was neither more nor less than " the best car " designed by him. We tried for two days the vehicle, declined in four finishes, and can say that Ford did indeed excellent work.
It is in Nice that our baptism with the Focus 2018 has begun. We understand why the giant of the automobile has chosen this place: the city of the south is surrounded by varied roads where sinuous paths alongside departmental – various situations to test the car. It was first in the company of the ST-Line petrol version – the sportiest of the lot – that we drove for hours, guided by GPS pre-configured by Ford teams.
The Focus catches the eye
The look is still a matter of taste but it is important to recognize that the aesthetics of the new Focus is attractive. Assuming a real break with the previous version, Ford's car is looking to catch the eye. This is not always the case with vehicles in this price range. It obviously takes over the identity of the Fiesta to extend it to its silhouette, while leaving the choice to the future owner because the different variations are entitled to their specificity in the look.
Each declination is entitled to its specificities
Thus, the ST-Line, our favorite, is lower and aggressive: the air inlets surrounding the shield are flashy. The Vignale is more luxurious, with a more elegant grille. The Active, higher, plays more adventurous. Since these four versions were conceived from the beginning of the design, the distinctive elements are not mere additions on a common basis, as could be the versions available after a launch.
In any case, the grille trapezoidal, which emphasizes the long muzzle, and the bright comma on the headlights in the front certainly produce their small effect. In short, this Focus is pleasant to contemplate .
A screen (almost) in levitation
In terms of interior design, sobriety is the order of the day. Ford has thought of disseminating small touches of elegance: false carbon fiber in the ST-Line, and an imitation wood in the Vignale. The dashboard blows hot and cold: while the touch screen, almost levitating, is brilliantly integrated and overlooks physical buttons, the dashboard combines digital and old hands in a strange mix. Specifically, the small screen that provides information on various parameters is posed between the two tachometers without great refinement without really melting into the board. This lack of taste slice cruelly with the rest.
Ford made a definite effort on the interface of his infotainment . For once, we did not want to connect a smartphone to benefit from CarPlay or Android Auto – even if it is possible. The manufacturer has opted for simplicity and navigation is relatively fluid despite a touch screen that hangs a little finger. The square signaling the tab where we are somewhat pollutes the interface, customizable with wallpapers. The transparent frame, serving as a support for the head-up display option – itself unconvincing in use – is not much prettier from inside or outside the vehicle.
The sound signature, provided by Bang & Olufsen, confirms that the brand is a guarantee of quality. Just think of disabling the surround effects smothering the rendering, knowing that it is possible to play on the equalizer and move the sound where you want – convenient if the pbadengers in the back do not want to enjoy your favorite playlists.
In addition to becoming a Wi-Fi access point, the Focus communicates with a mobile application soberly called FordPbad. In addition to the information given on the car (location, tire pressures, etc.), it allows you to lock / unlock the door remotely and start the engine to adjust the temperature on board – it will cut off after 15 minutes. As a safety measure, it is necessary to have the key inside to roll. Unlike Tesla, it's not (yet?) Possible to drive the Focus from the outside – a feature yet useful for getting out of a tight parking spot.
The importance of chbadis
From the first seconds, we understand that Ford did not want to do anything with his bestseller sold more than 16 million copies. Above all, the engineers wanted to give birth to a chbadis capable of seating an exemplary road holding . This is the case: even in a little more sporty format (not too much either), even in the heckling cornering, Focus does not flinch. It sticks to the bitumen and the rear axle as before never drives out.
The smooth and pleasant gearbox and the powerful brakes, when one hardly puts the foot on the pedal, allow to get a pleasant driving experience – especially for a sportswoman. We can only criticize the direction, rather heavy at low speed and not frank enough with a higher pace. In short, it lacks a little response when turning the wheel.
In broad outline, the Focus combines pleasure and comfort in a box optimized with twenty years of experience. When Ford evoked the best car out of his imagination, he probably wanted to talk about the best Focus .
The virtues of CoPilot360
Like many cars coming out in 2018, the Focus is equipped with driving aids that emphasize autonomy. The sequel to Ford ranks behind the set CoPilot360 which includes a lot of options configurable to make life easier during a trip. The lane departure warning is thus more discreet than in other cars, and cruise control can switch to intelligent mode. Once engaged, it allows the Focus to adapt its pace based not only traffic, but also speed panels that the camera at the front is able to read. In use, the regulator works very well – on the other hand, we did not encounter any situation where the reading of the panels could have been useful.
The speed regulator allows the Ford to adapt its pace [19659007] In addition, the Focus has the option of parking alone. If the technology works well, and even better with an automatic box, there were some failures. On the Croisette in Cannes, artificial intelligence wanted to park behind a platform – which is not really a parking space. In other words, still needs to be vigilant before blindly placing his trust in these audiences .
In the CoPilot360, there is also automatic emergency braking to avoid collisions, the system alert for blind spots – a very practical light point is installed on the exterior mirrors – and the rear camera during maneuvers. Everything to ensure comfort and rebadure on safety: the Focus is to clbadify in the category of cars turned towards the future
Ford Focus starting from 19 950 euros .
]
Tentative Notes: 4/5
Ford is proud of its Focus and proves it with a 2018 vintage in the form of a true chameleon. Affordable from a financial point of view, the Focus is based on a good balance between comfort and performance on the road. Overall, the driving is very pleasant and the Focus does not lack arguments.
In short, Ford's new car is on track to badert itself as a good value for those who want a vehicle with enough character to badert themselves. That being so, we should not take Focus for what it is not. After all, she already has enough different personalities to launch.
Top
- Four personalities
- Comfortable and pleasant to drive
- Many options
Bof
- Lack of feeling on the steering
- Diesel less comfortable
- Where are the EV versions ?
Share on the social networks
Source link
