Ford Focus facelift: what's new in the update

Following the arrival over the past two years of new-generation rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon, Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra, the Ford Focus has now been treated to a facelift designed to reinforce the strengths that have long made it one of the benchmarks in its class.

Exterior updates

The most noticeable exterior changes are concentrated at the front. A newly shaped bonnet makes the nose appear taller, the badge has been repositioned to the centre of the grille, and fresh LED headlights are now fitted as standard across the entire range. At the rear, the key update is the use of darkened light clusters, which switch to LED units on higher-spec versions.

As before, each trim level brings its own distinctive styling touches. Titanium models feature chrome detailing on the upper grille bars; the ST-Line receives a unique grille, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a spoiler; and the Active variant continues with its SUV-inspired theme, adding various body protections.

Alongside the usual trim lines, Ford is also introducing two option bundles: the "Pack X", which adds extra equipment, and the "Pack Vignale", which focuses on more luxurious, exclusive finishes.

Goodbye, buttons

Inside the updated Focus, the headline change is the removal of many physical buttons-most notably the climate controls, which have been moved into a large 13.2-inch (33.5 cm) display, described as the biggest in the segment.

That screen houses the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system which, using a learning algorithm, is designed to deliver increasingly accurate suggestions and search results over time by assessing driver behaviour.

As you would expect, the new system also brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus over-the-air software updates. Also noteworthy is the digital instrument cluster, aligned with the approach already adopted by the Fiesta and Puma.

Ford Focus engines

Contrary to what some rumours suggested, the Ford Focus has not yet gained a "plug-in" version. As a result, electrification in the Focus range continues to rely on a 48V mild-hybrid setup built around the 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid, offered with 125 or 155 hp.

Typically paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, this mild-hybrid powertrain (where the conventional alternator is replaced by a starter/generator that recuperates energy and sends it to a lithium-ion battery) can now also be specified, as an option, with the new seven-speed Powershift automatic gearbox.

For buyers who want a petrol model without electrification, the refreshed Focus is also available with the 1.0 EcoBoost in 100 and 125 hp versions, always combined with a six-speed manual transmission.

Finally, the Focus still offers the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel with 95 or 120 hp. In both outputs, a six-speed manual gearbox handles transmission, although the more powerful version can be swapped for an eight-speed automatic.

Technology takes centre stage

The push for technology goes well beyond connectivity, as shown by the array of driver assistance and support systems offered on the updated Focus.

Here, the "Blind Spot Assistant" is one of the new additions, joined by features such as the "Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage" and the "Cross Traffic Assist" system.

Optional systems also include "Local Hazard Information" (which warns the driver about a risky situation on the road ahead), "Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go", "Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring", plus a "Rear Occupant Alert" system intended to help prevent children or animals being left in the back seats.

The ST hasn't been forgotten

As expected, the Ford Focus ST has also been updated. It retains the 2.3 EcoBoost producing 280 hp and 420 Nm, paired as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with a seven-speed automatic available as an option.

Equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential and a continuously controlled damping system, the Ford Focus ST now features new sports seats and fresh 18-inch (45.7 cm) alloy wheels (19-inch/48.3 cm wheels are optional). Otherwise, it adopts a more aggressive look thanks to honeycomb-style grilles, side skirts and optimised aerodynamic add-ons.

Although it has already been unveiled, it is not yet known when the updated Ford Focus will reach the market, nor how much it will cost.