Ford Focus on the drive as small family cars face massive competition from SUVs and crossovers

Ford says the new Focus is the best car it has ever never produced. You expect it to be, of course, since its precursors have been bought by more than 16 million people since its introduction in 1998.

More importantly, it must be as good given the craze for small SUVs and crossovers nowadays.

We drove the new Ford – the first Ford based on the brand's new C2 platform – on winding roads. open roads around Nice recently.

At first glance, it seems longer, lower, and wider. That is, but only by marginal amounts. How can the eye deceive.

The forehead is skillfully drawn, intelligent and, forgive the pun, focused.

The back, as my driving companion noted early, recalls a Volvo. I think it's a compliment.

Extending the wheelbase (53 mm) and shortening the overhangs is the secret to making it more roomy inside, although the boot in the hatch is not huge – that's in the smart- looking property.

The hatch is actually on sale as you read this. Prices start from € 24,900 for 1 liter EcoBoost gasoline. This represents a decrease of about 90 € on the old start price, despite the technology and novelty that are embedded there.

The estate will follow, and next year we will have a new version Active crossover recognition of this application for small SUVs.

The Active has a better ground clearance (30mm and over), a rear wheel protector arch and rocker panels, front and rear skid plates and a front design.

will also follow. Fortunately, Ford keeps things simple on the engine.

For Ireland, there will be a 125PS 1-liter EcoBoost fuel (4.8 liters / 100 km, expected 108 g / km, € 180 road taxes), and a 1.5-liter diesel 120PS (road tax of 3.6 liters / 100km, 94g / km 190 €).

There is a 6spd manual and an 8spd automatic transmission which, with cleaner engines, 10pc reduction in emissions across the range

There will be four trim levels: Zetec, ST-Line, Titanium and Vignale.

Standard (Zetec) spec includes 6.5ins SYNC 3 with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, selectable modes, cruise control, pre-collision badistance, including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, 16in alloys and DTRL LEDs

ST- Line adds 17-year-old sports alloys, ST-Line body kit, sport suspension, polished double end caps, keyless start and interior sports trim.

Titanium tops with front / rear parking sensors, 8in SYNC 3 with nav, Android Auto a sd Apple CarPlay, FordPbad Connect, keyless entry and start, LED taillights.

Finally, the Vignale specification adds special alloys 18 years old and a body style, 8in SYNC 3 B & O Play with navigation, leather seats and armrests, high head

We opted for a mix of hatchback engines / break and gasoline / diesel, with the appropriate spotlights for the Irish market – the 1 liter gasoline and the 1.5 liter diesel. [19659007] We also drove the 1.5-liter EcoBoost, which was really lively and enjoyed a more sophisticated suspension.

The 1 liter has held up well in the climbs of Nice and considering the size of the car, it is perfectly suitable for families who travel up to 15 000 km per year, especially if they drive largely in city ​​or hike. It's not a tearaway ride, but it was good enough.

The 1.5-diesel was surprisingly good, calm and smooth. We drove into a field with the 8spd automatic gearbox and found that it was a great combination.

I liked the field – especially because it had more space – but we do not buy much of it and it's unlikely that they will do it. current trend of SUV / crossover purchases

As we all know, the entire small family car zone is under the fierce pressure of SUV proliferation and crossovers, which makes the segment even more competitive.

Over the years, the attractions have been sporty and practical

. I'm not as sure as I once was that this factor is inescapable as people pay so much attention to connectivity, infotainment (and SUV). ), but it's a distinctive facet for those who love a car with a spring in its march.

It was good to have the feeling of a decent chbadis on these nice roads, and the feeling of a car being good in it

Speaking of connectivity and infotainment, Depending on the finish and specifications, you can get a FordPbad Connect on-board modem for on-the-go connectivity, a wireless charging cradle and SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touch screen, and more. The Wi-Fi hotspot (up to 4G) includes a free three-month wireless data trial (or when you reach 3GB of data used.)

The firm made quite a dash of 39, a first HUD for a Ford model in Europe, and it's useful but hardly new. There is a variety of other things that we take more and more for granted, no matter what car we are in. They include (again as per specifications): active parking badist two, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, speed sign recognition, track centering, adaptive front lighting, and l 39; evasive management badistance.

After all that, I can report that the hearth holds its upper clbad driving position with comfort. He looks and plays the role of a small smart car. But even if it's the best of the business, buyers will compare it more to SUVs and crossovers than to traditional competitors. That's where the real test waits.

Indo Motoring