Unlike with some model updates where it’s impossible to tell what’s been changed, with Ford’s revamped Focus there’s no mistaking old for new here. The car is arriving in the Middle East later this year, but it’s already out and about in the UK — and the first thing that greets you is Ford’s new corporate nose. You may have already seen it on the Fusion. Think Aston Martin for the people. In this particular case, however, only if Aston Martin made an estate…
But there’s more to the 2015 Focus than just added bling, as the car now packs some impressive safety and convenience kit, even more tweaked ride and handling characteristics, plus engines that are more than worthy of Ford’s hype; engines that only make us beg and scream louder, “Where are your small Ecoboost offerings in the Middle East, Ford!?”
In keeping with the Fiesta and Fusion, the Focus sports a new nose that looks suspiciously similar to something you might find on a Made-in-Gaydon product. Whatever your view, the bold new snout is a genuine head-turner and does much to boost the car’s premium look and feel. And it’s this angle that Ford is most keen to develop, as the firm aspires to move its models increasingly upmarket.
As the wagon of the family you can expect the Focus Estate to swallow pretty much anything you throw at it. The car’s low-loading lip, easy-open tailgate and flat-load bay all conspire to make life exceptionally easy when shifting large or heavy items. This versatile theme continues inside the cabin, with both front and rear occupants offering good levels of space. If you don’t fancy a conventional people carrier or SUV, the Focus Estate could easily fulfil the bulk of your family-related duties, which is something wheels vehemently argued with the Mazda 6 Estate last year, too (if only Mazda Middle East would offer the 2.5 in this body style…).
It’s not down to luck that the Focus is routinely held up as a benchmark when it comes to driver enjoyment, as Ford expends a considerable amount of effort in this department. The car’s facelift status has resulted in a raft of tweaks to enhance the experience for keen drivers and boost refinement for everyone else in the cabin.
From suspension and steering changes to soundproofing tweaks, Ford has taken a fine-tooth comb to the Focus in a bid to bring it closer to premium-class cars costing considerably more. And then there’s the Blue Oval’s continued development of its engine range. New for the Focus is a 1.5-litre turbo four-pot developing a commendable 182 horsepower, and a 1.0-litre turbo unit has also been introduced in Europe.
Whichever variant you choose, Ford has upped the ante with more standard kit, improved economy and emissions, as well as an impressive choice of hi-tech extras covering safety and convenience. Plus, with the car’s cabin ambience having been raised, the added premium ‘feel’ is immediately obvious and does much to convince occupants they are in a higher class of car.
Naturally, this means money… When it comes to GCC-spec cars, wheels has already confirmed with Ford Middle East that the 2015 hatch model will cost Dh99K, and that’s for a 158bhp 2.0-litre. So it’s four grand dearer than the 2014 255bhp Focus ST…
If the current crop of compact SUVs and MPVs leave you cold or you need a conventional load-lugger, the Focus Estate is hard to ignore. It can’t match the latter for overall cabin versatility, but as compromises go the Focus wagon is a competent, affordable and well-equipped substitute. It’ll probably drive better than either alternative — something the Focus range is famous for and an attribute popular with keen drivers.
This story first appeared on wheels in January 2015