Ford has focused its Focus 2020 line-up with the introduction of the ST-Line and Active model variants, with the Active running a high riding suspension to bridge the Focus hatch to the smallest SUV bearing the Blue Oval badge.
This is an odd step, as the market is somewhat saturated with SUVs and the Focus has been recognised as an exemplary and refreshing car, which gives Ford a significant point of difference against other marques which are – sorry – focusing on small SUVs in particular.
In saying this, even Ford admits the Focus Active is SUV-esque, rather than being a small SUV proper, and for the sake of a few millimetres, we’d just as easily describe the Active as an extension to the Focus hatch range, and leave it there.
We’re not taking anything away from the Focus Active by doing so either. The fourth generation Focus came so close to being a Car of the Year contender last year, any increase in the range could tip scales in Ford’s favour, and the Focus has seen the ST-Line X and the Active added this year.
And Ford has seen some new high tech stuff happen this year with the inclusion of the FordPass Connect embedded modem setup which – in addition to giving drivers the ability to use their Smartphones to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle.
As well, FordPass Connect affords access to roadside assistance, the ability to check fuel level, tyre pressures, oil life and check recent service history, owners’ manual, and even a convenient way to get in touch with a ‘Ford Guide’, who can assist – by phone or email – with any queries about connected services.
But if you thought a new-fangled embedded modem was the focus of the Focus Active, think again.
Ford has introduced a new multi-link suspension to go with the higher ground clearance and – more electronic wizardry can be found in the drivetrain.
The Focus Active shares the eight-speed automatic transmission using a rotary gear selector and adds to this a number of off-road driving modes, including Trail and Slippery modes in addition to the standard Normal, Eco and Sport modes.
Sport mode? Yes, and it works. The Focus Active is powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivering power and torque to the front wheels. What this doesn’t tell you is how good the drive is when that 1.5-litre is on song and the road gets a little twisty…
This is a driver’s car, despite the automatic rotary shifter. This is easy enough to get used to, but not especially wonderful when changing direction quickly. Still, the flexibility it offers when linked to that 1.5-litre EcoBoost, easily offsets the awkwardness of going from reverse to forwards.
Of course, there are some who would argue the comprehensive equipment and specification levels immediately disqualify the Active of being a driver’s car, but the modern motorist is now quite used to the range of assist technologies found on the contemporary car.
And the Focus Active has all that is required, including autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, lane keeping aid, forward collision mitigation, intelligent speed assist, fore and aft parking sensors and 180 degree rear camera.
Inside, an eight-inch colour touchscreen allows for the integration of the camera screen, satellite navigation and SYNC3 in vehicle communication system display to complement the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth telephony connectivity.
All told, the Focus Active is a whole lot of hatch for an aggressively low price. And damn, it’s a fun CAR to drive in a sea of SUVs!
Specifications:
BODY TYPE 5 door hatch
DRIVE Front wheel/ 8 speed auto
ENGINE TYPE 3-cylinder, direct injection petrol
ENGINE CAPACITY 1496 cc MAX POWER 134kW
MAX TORQUE 240Nm
L/100KM (COMBINED) 6.4
CO2 EMISSIONS147g/km
LOAD CAPACITY 443 to 1320 litres
ANCAP RATING 5 Star
PRICE $37,990
