Halfway between the successful SUVs and the more discreet vans, we find the “rolled-up trousers vans”, a once more populated sub-segment, but in which the Ford Focus Active SW is present for the first time.
Like the Fiesta Active that we recently tested, the Focus Active SW presents itself as an alternative within the Ford range for those who need more versatility but, for some reason, do not want to opt for one of the SUVs, whether from the North American brand ( in this case, by Kuga) or another.
But will Focus Active SW be able to match the successful SUV? To find out, we put it to the test with the 120 hp 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine.
Visually, you gain distinction
As with its “younger brother”, the Focus Active SW is not to be confused with the other Focus SW. Whether due to the greater height to the ground or the protections of the bodywork, everything about it seems to appeal more to evasion.
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The end result was, in my opinion, well achieved, and I must admit that I like these vans with a more robust look, being the Focus Active SW one of the best examples.
By the way, even when compared to some Ford Kuga variants, this Focus Active SW seems more apt to face bad paths, all thanks to the bodywork's plastic protections that don't let it go unnoticed.
Space, the watchword inside
Compared to the other Focus SW, inside the Focus Active SW, specific seats are gained (comfortable and with good lateral support) and a (slightly) higher driving position. In other words, we are not going as high as in an SUV, but it ends up benefiting, albeit slightly, the visibility to the outside.
For the rest, the build quality and the materials are in good plan (something evident when we go through “bad ways”) and in relation to its design, the Focus Active SW is a great example in line with the most recent proposals of Ford, not only adopting a look very similar to that found in Kuga or even Fiesta, but also keeping physical commands where it matters to have them.
And while it is true that this solution does not convey the same modernity of the dashboard, almost without controls, of, for example, the new Golf, it is no less true that, in terms of ergonomics and usability, it represents a serious asset in favor of the Ford van.
Complete and easy to use, the Focus Active SW infotainment system lacks only a certain slowness, however it has already been solved in other models of the North American brand.
Finally, if there was one thing that remained unchanged (and thankfully) inside the Ford Focus Active SW, it was the roomability quotas. Spacious and comfortable, the Ford van is able to comfortably transport four adults, inviting you to take long trips with your family or friends.
The luggage compartment with the 608 liters is a reference and distances itself from what some SUVs like the SEAT Ateca (510 liters) or the Hyundai Tucson (513 liters) offer — in this chapter, the internal “rival” Kuga offers an impressive 645 liters.
To the city and to the mountains
As you can easily see, above all that this version offers the Focus SW is, in addition to the new look, a little more height from the ground (30 mm at the front axle and 34 mm at the rear) and a set of springs, different shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. But could it be that with this the dynamics suffered?
The Focus Active SW instrument panel may not be the most customizable on the market, however it's easy to read, looks nice and, above all, doesn't cause distraction while driving.
The best news we can give you is that no, he didn't resent it. The Ford Focus Active SW continues to be sharp, well-behaved and even fun in corners, asking you to explore its dynamic capabilities and setting itself apart from most SUVs on the market in this chapter (the lower center of gravity also helps).
Despite its familiar features, its dynamic capabilities meant that I found myself looking for the winding path home, just to be able to appreciate the chassis/suspension/steering combination a little more.
The best part is that when we decide to leave the asphalt, the extra height to the ground ends up allowing us to really go further, not losing anything to SUVs. Under these circumstances it is safe and predictable, but without giving up a certain amount of fun, reminding us that Ford has a pedigree in the world of rallying.
Driving modes for all tastes
This Active version offers two more driving modes — Slippery and Rails — which join the Eco/Normal/Sport modes already available in other Focuses. Although they do not have the same effect as an all-wheel drive system, the truth is that they allow you to face dirt roads with greater ease, changing parameters such as the performance of the traction control and/or stability.
The three driving modes already available were joined by two more for the roughest routes.
As for the other modes, contrary to what often happens, there is a real difference between them. The “Eco” mode makes the throttle response more passive and is ideal when traveling at cruising speed on a highway; “Normal” represents a good compromise between performance and consumption.
Finally, the “Sport” mode not only makes the already pleasant driving a little heavier, it also makes the accelerator response more immediate (and without affecting fuel consumption too much).
In this case, Diesel still makes sense
Despite being the target of some "persecution", there are cars in which Diesel engines still make sense and Ford Focus Active SW, personally, I consider it to be one of those examples, "matching" very well with the 1.5 EcoBlue 120 hp.
Pleasant to use in the most diverse regimes, this engine gives the Focus Active SW a road-going character that suits it “like a glove”, having also proved to be economical by nature. We can easily get fuel consumption from 5 to 5.5 l/100 km without worry and calmly it's possible to travel around 4.5 l/100 km — tell me an SUV capable of these numbers.
As for the gearbox… well, the six-speed manual gearbox is, like the one on the Fiesta Active, quite pleasant to use. With a short stroke and a mechanical tact, it almost makes us want to engage in relationships “just because”, simply so that we can enjoy its pleasant tact.
Is the car right for me?
Somewhat forgotten — and even threatened — due to the SUV “flood”, the “rolled up pants” vans did not lack arguments when compared to the front-wheel-drive SUVs.
With a robust and adventurous look, the Ford Focus Active SW is nothing like the SUVs, beating them on an equal footing with them in the versatility chapter and surpassing them when it comes time to face a chain of curves or to transport “ this world and the other”.
If you're looking for a spacious, economical van with a more adventurous look that isn't just “out of sight”, the Focus Active SW has to be an option to consider, as it's not only a good alternative within the Focus range but is a good option compared to SUVs, combining the dynamic qualities of the Focus with increased versatility.
That said, and to answer the question I put in the title of this text, with proposals such as Focus Active SW no, an SUV is not necessary unless it brings the added value of all-wheel drive or you really need to walk on the "1st floor" .