LZ Ford Focus

In September 2015, Ford released a heavily revised Focus range, with more equipment, performance, technology, and economy, as well as a different nose cone and sleeker tail-light treatment to help keep the C-segment hatch and sedan fresh.

The dash too has been overhauled for simplicity, functionality, and perceived quality, with the previous button festooned centre console turfed out for a simpler layout dominated by a SYNC2 voice-control touchscreen, accompanied by new instruments, steering wheel, trim, and materials.

The Focus is also said to be quite a bit quieter thanks to concerted anti noise/vibration/harshness measures, while underneath the LZ brings retuned (electric) rack and pinion steering for easier effort yet sharper responses, stiffer suspension bushes, and industry-first ETS Enhanced Transitional Stability ESC with braking sensors that ‘anticipate’ traction losses by analysing inputs and speed.

Behind that grille is the smallest engine ever offered in an Australian-bound Focus – a 1498cc 1.5-litre, double overhead cam, direct-injection Ti-VCT Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing turbo EcoBoost four-cylinder unit offering 132kW of power at 6000rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1600-5000rpm. An all new six-speed torque converter automatic transmission replaces the old Powershift dual clutch, six-speeds usurp five in the manuals, and the diesels disappear altogether.

Aided by new-to-Focus brake energy regeneration technology as well as the aforementioned stop-start, the 1.5L EcoBoost averages a combined fuel-consumption figure of 5.8 litres per 100km (auto: 6.2L/100km).

Other features include a speed and audio volume-limiting function for the key fob Ford calls MyKey, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection tech on Titanium, and upgraded Active City Stop collision avoidance and Active Park Assist systems.

In July 2016, Ford introduced a new flagship of the Focus range in the form of a third-generation RS. The manic five-door brought a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that fed 257kW to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.