Launched about 20 years ago (the first Focus dates back to 1998), the Focus continues to adapt to market demands today. After already known as sports (in ST and RS variants), estate, three-door hatchback and even convertible, the Focus now appears with an adventurous look, meeting the latest market trends.
Third member of Ford's Active model family, the Ford Focus Active comes to take a testimony left by the limited series X Road (of which there were only 300 units destined for the Dutch market) and that already in the second generation of the Ford compact offered the van version an adventurous look.
The difference is that this time the Focus Active also brings a robust look to the hatchback version, reconciling the best of both worlds: the typical versatility of SUV and crossover, combines the dynamic capabilities that have been a hallmark of Focus since the first generation appeared in 1998.
Adventurous look as a starting point
To create this version, Ford used a simple recipe: it took the Focus (both in the van and five-door variants) and added to the more than proven base of its familiar (mainly at a dynamic level) a series of equipment and accessories that allow it to stand out among competitors.
To ensure that the Ford Focus Active is not just “out of sight”, Ford has increased its height to the ground (+30mm at the front and 34mm at the rear) and offered it the multi-arm rear suspension normally reserved for the most powerful engines. potent.
In terms of aesthetics, the Focus Active received roof bars and various plastic protections (on the bumpers, sides and wheel arches), all so that that more adventurous ride does not threaten the paintwork. The wheels can be 17" or 18" equipped with 215/55 tires in the case of 17" wheels and 215/50 with the optional 18" wheels.
Inside, Focus Active comes with seats with reinforced padding, contrasting color stitching and the Active logo, in addition to various decor details and specific tone choices for this more adventurous version.
As for space, in the five-door version the trunk has a capacity of 375 l (optionally you can have an optional reversible mat, with a rubber face and a plastic mesh extension to protect the bumper). In the van, the luggage compartment offers an impressive 608 l of capacity.
Engines for all tastes
The most adventurous range of Ford Focus is available in two variants with petrol and diesel engines. The gasoline offer is made up of the already highly awarded 1.0 EcoBoost in the 125 hp version, which can be combined with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
The Diesel offer is made up of 1.5 TDCi EcoBlue and 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue. The first has 120 hp and can be associated with both the six-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic.
Finally, the 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue is the most powerful engine that the Ford Focus Active can be equipped with, offering 150 hp. As far as the transmission is concerned, this engine can come together with the six-speed manual or the eight-speed automatic.
Driving modes for urban adventures (and beyond)
To the three driving modes already existing in the remaining Focus (Normal, Eco and Sport) the Ford Focus Active adds the new driving modes Slippery (Slippery) and Trail (Trails).
In the first, stability and traction control is adjusted to reduce wheel spin on slippery surfaces like mud, snow or ice, while also making the throttle more passive.
In Trail mode, the ABS is adjusted to allow greater slip, traction control now allows greater wheel rotation so that the tires are able to get rid of excess sand, snow or mud. Also in this mode the accelerator becomes more passive.
In addition to these driving modes, thanks to the higher suspension (and revised tare) the Ford Focus Active is able to go where other Focuses can't, being the ideal proposal for those who like to go beyond the city limits.
security has not been forgotten
Of course, and as with the rest of the Focus range, the Ford Focus Active has several safety systems and driving assistance. These include adaptive cruise control, signal recognition, Active Park Assist 2 (which is capable of parking the car on its own), the lane maintenance system or the Evasive Steering Assist, which is capable of diverting the car. Focus Active from a stationary or slower moving vehicle.
