Often a long Focus weak-point, I’m pleased to say the interior is greatly improved over its predecessor. Metro driving is a pleasant experience – it’s shockingly quiet inside, with barely any intrusive road or engine noise – and visibility is excellent too. Since the tyres are so cheap, that limit is rather low, leaving you with the feeling that the chassis has a hell of a lot more to give. Unfortunately, as soon as you get towards the limit of grip there is significant understeer. Driving back roads under the limit is excellent, the steering is precise with good feedback, encouraging you to drive enthusiastically. Although simpler and cheaper, the suspension is compliant over bumps and the 2019 Ford Focus Trend handles well in the twisties. The standard Focus line’s suspension consisted of a torsion beam setup, leaving the independent suspension only for the ST-Line wagon and ST hot hatch. The 8-speed automatic is operated by a rotary shifter and steering wheel mounted paddles, it is not the most responsive gearbox I’ve ever driven, but generally gets the job done in a smooth manner. ![]() Fortunately, the auto stop/start is responsive and does help save fuel in peak hour. I’ve routinely seen mid 4L/100km on trips from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, which is excellent.Ĭlaimed economy from Ford averages out at 6.4L/100km, meaning it can be a tad thirsty in stop start traffic. At cruising speeds, the cylinder deactivation kicks in and the Focus runs on two cylinders, providing great economy. It has an extremely punchy low and mid-range and decent power higher up and the three-pot engine note is charismatic, yet not over the top. The nature of the turbo engine with the reasonably close ratio eight-speed automatic transmission makes metro and highway driving easy and enjoyable. The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine had comparable power to a Mazda 3 SP25 with 134kW and 240Nm, but is significantly livelier due to its tune. Performance & Economy:įirstly, the engine was an absolute cracker against some lacklustre engines from rivals. The Trend misses out on the adaptive LED headlights and taillights of higher trims but tries to make up for it with LED daytime running lights and halogen cornering lights. The standard alloys are only 16-inch, but the thick tyres help fill the wheel arches. The exterior vents and ducts are all functional, but there isn’t too much there to amaze you. In a sea of over-styled passenger cars, the Focus is regrettably inoffensive. The exterior design of the 2019 Ford Focus Trend is sleek and modern but ultimately forgettable. ![]() ![]() One option well worth seeking out was the $1,250 Driver Assistance Package, which added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reversing collision warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, electric heated and auto-folding mirrors and active lane keeping assist. Other standard features include a six-speaker stereo, cruise control, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, auto emergency breaking ( AEB), lane departure warning and intervention and speed sign recognition with an automatic speed limiter. Not only did you get a turbocharger with the engine – which added a full 44kW (from 90 to 134!) of power – and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, but also an 8.0-inch touchscreen with inbuilt satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, automatic lights and rain sensing wipers (which activate the headlights) and active fog lamps. It was certainly worth the upgrade for $1,500. The 2019 Ford Focus Trend was second-from-base at $25,990 plus on-road costs, but came with considerably better standard equipment. Honestly, an under-appreciated choice for those in the market for a practical, well priced hatchback with warm hatch performance, in all but the base Ambiente. The fourth-generation Ford Focus was introduced to the Australian market in November 2018, with prices starting at $23,490, which was more expensive than the comparable i30 and Cerato at $19,990 but slightly cheaper than the Mazda3 at $25,240. But does the latest generation Focus make sense buying used? We tested the 2019 Ford Focus Trend to find out. Now, it isn’t even offered in non-ST form thanks to lacklustre sales, a lack of small car buyers and European sourcing making it difficult to price competitively. What’s life like on the other side of the Powershift debacle? Looking back ten years, the Focus was once a staple of the small car market.
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