CAROLINE GETS MOTORING FORD FOCUS

Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie

This fourth generation Focus launched in Ireland in 2018 and it's aged well. For the latest update, the Focus gets a bit more than the average motor industry facelift. The blue oval badge has moved from the bonnet down to the centre of the redesigned grille. The headlights are new with LED technology that comes standard across the range. There's a new bonnet that is a bit higher than before. The rear lights also have a new loop-like LED lighting signature. Overall, it's a positive revamp for the Focus.

With pricing kicking off from €32,541, the Focus is competitively priced against competitors like the Toyota Corolla and the Opel Astra. The range starts with the Titanium that comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, keyless entry/start, heated windscreen, parking camera, and cruise control. Go up to Titanium X for upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels along with more creature comforts like wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats and heated steering wheel.

There is also the crossover-inspired Focus Active and Active X with more rugged styling and a slightly raised ride height. But it's fair to say that sporty ST Line and ST Line X models look the best overall with a special honeycomb grille finish, side skirts, roof spoiler, diffuser-effect in the rear bumper, and unique 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on ST Line X with red brake calipers).

There are more changes for the Focus inside with a glossy new 13-inch touchscreen taking centre stage. It's one of the biggest in the segment now and adds much needed modernity to the cabin. It uses Ford’s Sync 4 operating system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included and improved voice control. The only downside is that Ford has moved the controls for the ventilation to the screen also, which is a bit more fiddly to use.

There's also a new digital instrument cluster. It's not standard unfortunately but it is worth upgrading for. The quality of the cabin is about the same as rivals though it's not the plushest cabin finish or the most stylish, with lots of black plastic on show. Still, ST Line models add some different seat fabrics and sportier red stitching detail.

The Ford Focus offers a 375 litre boot, which is on par with rivals like the Golf and Corolla. Where the Focus scores very well is in rear passenger space. Legroom is very generous and the back of the car feels more open and roomier than a lot of rival hatchbacks.

The Ford Focus is offered with petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual and automatic gearboxes. The entry level 1.0litre petrol engine is well-priced and offers competitive power (125hp) and efficiency - 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres during my test drive. It's also a delight to drive with good refinement and noise suppression from the three cylinder engine. There's no thrashing through the gears, just an ample smooth delivery of power. Other options include a 1.0-litre petrol mild hybrid automatic with 125hp or a 1.5-litre diesel automatic with 115hp.

On the road, the Focus is one of the best handling hatchbacks you can buy with great composure through bends and nicely weighted steering. Drive modes come as standard - Normal, Sport and Eco - which adjust the steering and throttle response. The balance between sporty handling and comfort is just right, though ST Line models are a little firmer because of sports suspension. There's also some road and wind noise at high speeds on the motorway.

The Ford Focus has a lot going for it and is a great choice of hatchback. Thanks to this latest update, the Focus is better-looking than before and the technology update lifts the cabin too. Sensible, practical and fun to drivethere are lots of reasons to check out the Ford Focus!

Model tested:

Ford Focus ST Line X 1.0 petrol

Price: €36,347

Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol

Power: 125hp

Torque: 170Nm

Top speed: 197 km/h

Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.5 seconds

Motor Tax: €200 per year n