New 2018 Ford Focus unveiled

The fourth generation Focus went on sale today, so drivers in the United Kingdom can configure their ideal auto online or visit a local Ford showroom to see it in the metal.

United Kingdom customers will be able to choose between five-door hatch and estate body styles, with no plans at this stage for a three-door hatch version.

Various trim levels will be available, including a more rugged “Active” version (already available for the Fiesta) that sits 30mm higher than the standard vehicle, the sporty ST-Line that sits 10mm lower and the luxury Vignale (available on most Ford models).

For most markets you’re looking at a powertrain lineup consisting of 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-3 and 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engines, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 diesel.

Model of Ford Focus fourth generation will be offered in the back 5-door hatch. With the rear seats down, the boot space in the estate is now 1,650-litres.

In May 2018, the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne will stop making the Focus and be retooled and devoted to the Ford Ranger midsize pickup and Bronco offroad SUV. An 8.0-inch touchscreen will be available along with other features including Wi-Fi, a motion-activated liftgate, telematic services, and a wireless charging pad for mobile devices.

ST-Line X (£24,050): The ST-Line X adds 18in alloy wheels, red brake calipers and numerous luxury features found on the Titanium X model.

Prices for the new Active models are still to be announced.

This dial replaces the humble gearshift lever in automatic versions of the new Ford Focus.

Ford may be spending big money on utility vehicles like SUVs and trucks, but there’s no denying how important the 2019 Focus is to the automaker. Centre to this was the introduction of its “control blade” independent rear suspension, an unusual application in the class at the time, helping the Focus forge its reputation as the most entertaining family hatchback to drive.

Which engines are in the new Focus?

Debuting alongside the all-new Focus, the Escort has a more upscale design as it has been equipped with a new front fascia which features a revised grille that is flanked by restyled HID headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The engine range includes the familiar three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, but is bolstered with the addition of a new four-cylinder 1.5 Ecoboost unit that will use cylinder deactivation tech to save fuel under light loads.

The net result, Ford say, is they can claim a 10pc reduction in emissions across the new Focus range.

The large hatchback is fitted with some of the latest technology on offer from the Ford Co-Pilot360 line-up, such as active park assist, Ford’s first head-up display and adaptive cruise control with stop and go, speed sign recognition and lane-centering.

A 675W 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen “Play” sound system is also available. The engines can be paired to an optional eight-speed automatic that actively assesses vehicle and environmental information to adjust clutch pressures for smoother gearshifts.

The new Focus receives a chassis and suspension overhaul to increase torsional rigidity by 20 percent.