Ford Focus 2019 in-depth review - Carbuyer
Ford Focus review: carbyr.uk/1PKQ8DI
Watch our latest video: bit.ly/carbuyervideos
Sign up to Carbuyer’s newsletter for the latest videos, news, reviews and advice: carbyr.uk/2jFdbFj
This is the all-new Mk4 Ford Focus - the latest challenger to the VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra, SEAT Leon and Honda Civic. But can it make as big a splash in the family hatchback market as the original did 20 years ago? James Batchelor finds out...
SUBSCRIBE to Carbuyer for new videos every week: bit.ly/17k4fct
VW Golf review: carbyr.uk/1Li8zPo
Vauxhall Astra review: carbyr.uk/1OAodTD
Honda Civic review: carbyr.uk/CivicHatchback
Best family cars: carbyr.uk/1Eri4oT
Family hatchbacks playlist: carbyr.uk/2eiDdxA
Follow us:
Twitter.com/CarbuyerUK
Facebook.com/CarBuyerUK
Instagram.com/carbuyeruk
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine: subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk
Carbuyer makes car buying simple. We're the only automotive brand that's approved by the Plain English Campaign, delivering you clear, concise and easy to understand information about the things that really matter when you're choosing - and buying - your next car.
www.carbuyer.co.uk
Every week, Carbuyer's KZhead channel brings you simple and entertaining reviews on every major make and model that's available for sale in the UK. Plus you'll find frequently-updated top 10 features and the occasional group test for good measure. If you want even more helpful information, head over to Carbuyer.co.uk where you'll find in-depth reviews of more than 500 cars, alongside the best buying advice and dozens of features helping you to narrow down your car buying shortlist.
Your reviews have improved so much great job!!! Keep it up!
Adjustable cupholders for carying a pint of lager is always great...
My 2013 mark 3 Focus still puts a smile on my face every day. If you like to drive, you should always consider a Ford.
Same here. My 13 plate titanium deisel has decent kit, good handling, never missed a beat, didn't cost much as I got a great deal with only 1800 miles at 3 months old, 20 quid oad tax and good economy. Will likely get a mk4, but a bit peeved they have cheapened the suspension with a torsion beam on the 1.5l deisel.
I like the car alot, but somehow the mk3 thrills me more. This seems to have got a little more standard and plain whereas the mk3 looks a bit more funky and special
@@owenrichards2622Yeh, I agree the MK3 design looks better to the car shown here, particularly at the rear. But then maybe when I've seen a few of these or even the ST on the roads the look will grow on me.
Have you ever driven a golf? Can you compare it with focus?
rolla The golf is nothing special, it’s just a slightly more upmarket Astra or Focus
I like the design both exterior and interior. Simple, elegant, less black plastic trims, and not over designed.
There is ventilation at the back of the focus. The vents are under the front seats.
3:35 "it rains from the bottom" lol
Hi, and thanks for the review!:) Hope you can do a video review of the Focus ST-line Estate and the Focus ST Estate model, when those arrive as well:)
Excellent review 👏 and well presented 😊
Seems really nice, but the torsion beam suspension instead of multi-link as standard still feels like betrayal
Torsion beam is only for the entry models apparently. You still get IRS on the higher end ones.
I've always been impressed driving (Euro**) Focus'... would like to see how good this really is... [IMO the US version feels different]
I own this car 1.0 125hp M6 Titanium Business version and I basically became obsessed with it. I love it. The one thing that I find it a bit annoying is the clutch. It doesn’t seem to change smoothly when you get into 2nd or 3rd gear. It needs too much focusing. Has anyone experienced this?
Yes I also feel particularly 2nd gear feels quite jerky and needs precise clutch control for smooth change. Hope that's because it's new and will improve with miles.
I would’ve loved for this to have a higher center console so you feel like in a cockpit, also i hate how the arm rest just sticks out like a weird tower. To me it’s just a bit bland on the inside, that’s not a bad thing, especially compared to the last one, i think i’ll wait for the mazda 3 2019.
Nice car. It has grown on me. It's more interesting to look at than a Golf. Apart from boot space it's as good as or better than anything else in it's class.
well it looks nice enough thats for sure.. great report mate...
Anyone else notice the rain drops running UP the headlamp lens at about 3:30ish lol
What's the noise feedback like? Wind/tyres?
Another... best in class review.
No mention of fuel economy which is always important in this class.
Around town, and a bit of country driving, engine not getting warm, 6.4l/100km. Done 1400km from France to Scotland on a Sunday. Very little traffic, average speed 106kmh, 15 hrs of driving, 5.0l/100kmh. About 1080km on one tank (47 liters). (1.5 eco blue auto)
the best car in its class easily like always
What about the Focus Electric? Are they going backwards in tech or is it coming? I’m going to guess not. At least we have the less than mildly exciting mild hybrid to look forward to.... Well done Ford 👏👏
Delighted to see the end of those big lumpy rear lights on the Mark 3 bur I simply cannot fault their safety as a cousin of mine only had a couple of minor injuries when thrown into a wall by a car coming out of a side road during the summer in her 2011 mark 3 estate.
The big tail lights were very safe like the volvos or fiat punto
Ive got a 2014 model great fun when you put your foot down along twisty roads. Im just not not sure about the looks of the new car some Angeles it looks ok and others its looks awful. Will wait to see what they do with the ST and RS to see if they can tempt me to get one.
Mk1 Focus has the best styling. So very distinctive.
the mk1 and the mk2 when they face-lifted it are the best 2 the new is my least favorite but still nice looking still has more style than a golf.
The Mk2 got the Volvo I5 engine in the ST & RS, which is an epic engine. 5-pots just sound so good.
I think all the ones so far were pretty unique, but this one just seems very common. If you look around this generation hatchbacks they all seem to lack originality in general, so it's not just Ford.
This new focus just doesn’t feel like a focus. It is much smarter, but has lost it’s youthful styling
I don’t watch the videos for the but for the Omega Seamaster u wear
Well done James - slightly further away from the wheel. Keep going. Wrists should rest comfortably on top of wheel for safe distance when first setting up.
HANDS AT 3 AND 9.
@@MICHGO1 or 10 and 2.
Just a point about the rear suspension set up at 7:09 . ... You stated that a few buyers won't notice the difference - or should you have said that most buyers won't notice the difference ? .... A clever play on words there Batch !! ..... Will we or won't we notice the difference in ride comfort between torsion beam or multi-link.
Is that your favourite shirt James?😂
I hope the rs version is as nice as the mk3 and mk2
Upgrade to the ST Line if you want the car to look more special ;)
I drive a 1.6 mk1 Focus, handles well and it's a joy to drive. Its design is lovley too and looks better with age. They called it 'edge design' language but was dumped from the mk2 onwards. At least, VW have remained consistent with the Golf's look and kept as a Golf. I especially don't like the front of this model. The fish-mouth grill in particular which the Mondeo shares is unattaractive. But the rear is quiet nice and so is the interior. Ford are traditionally horrible with interior but this is a big step up. Fords are mechanically good and reliable cars to drive but don't look as good as their competitors. And now that the handbrake is gone, it's not longer as 'fun' as the older ones.
Where is the new Honda Vezel (HR-V) 2018?
Sori, but did I miss the bit about the price ?! Prhps not available yet (then ) ? Also think Ford rather dis’g their customers by hv a cheaper suspension and only a 4” information screen in the entry model. (Actually hvg a 4” screen sounds almost dangerous these days with so much centred on it. )
Opinions on the Vignale model?
Was it just my impression or this car still doesn't have a glove box light?
Funny but from the side the all new focus’s silhouette look almost exactly like my old 2010 Mazda 3!
Lots of people hating? I think it looks GREAT and i bet it drives nice. I'd take a new focus over a new golf and save myself some $$
Was the bonnet not shut properly?
I've moved up from a 1ltr 2008 Yaris to a 2014 TSI golf. That's the only cars I've had but man this brand new focus looks so much like my four year old golf. Why replicate a car that's pretty much on its way out?
Anyone had any issues with the 2019 1 litre 123bhp Titanium version? Thanks.
What about rear air conditioning?
Nice, I'm changing in January and this is on the list. Have to wait and see the new Mazda 3 is like.
The low camera angle is really irritating!
wind independence soft challenge event center year twist.
Can golf fanboys really be the ones to be calling this focus 'boring'😂😂😂😂
I don't like Golf but this is really ugly car.
Golf is the best even in SE trim it's cool
@@shanjanusman9974 SE TRIM😂😂😂😂😂 Bruhhhhh you're such a golf fanboy😂
@@dil3038 Lol 😂
@@shanjanusman9974 My vw tiguan r line is just about sexy to look at man😂
No mention of MPG !
Putting different size of LCD screens on different trim levels is just so shallow of you Ford and other manufacturers.
It's all part of cost-cutting to create a price point affordable for a broad spectrum of buyers. Toyota does the same, Honda too.
Your comment makes no sense.
I'd prefer to see different sized LCD screens on different trim levels as opposed to the same inferior sized screen on higher trim levels but having to pay for it as an optional extra at a massive premium
I don't think it is very effective in terms of cost-cutting. Various sizes of the screen and different dash boards in result.
@@adamme8369 I agree. I would've thought having different variations (dashboards & screens) would cost more. Having the same parts help to keep the cost down - simplicity = low cost.
If only led headlights were standard :(
the mazda 3 looks so much nicer in this class and has a prtty good interior
The focus at least has character and looks interesting unlike the golf
That's also one way to say it's ugly.
@@tomasmalin Lol shoo golf fanboy
Are you kidding? The VW Golf is the best in all class. Ford Focus is so lame even the ST or STD is associated with lame duck lads at KFC whereas the Golf is outside Mumtaz like yh man!
@@shanjanusman9974 LOOOL😂 I'm a vw tiguan r line owner and I'm not in denial like the other vw owners😂😂 The golf is a boring dull car admit it or not. Your defence is 'the golf is the best in class' Lol and mumtaz?😂 Wow you just publicly showed that you have no knowledge in cars nor food😂😂😂
😂😂 Focus and interesting don't belong in the same sentence.
it's a Mazda, its a Peugeot, its a Kia, it's a Mercedes .... I guess this car suits those having a hard time choosing what to buy :)
Considering how much all hatches this generation look alike they can't go wrong either way. Awfully uninspired if you ask me however.
In my experience the 1 liter engine should be driven like a turbo diesel ie use the torque low down and use the highest gear possible, if you use the revs you'll end up with mid 20s mpg at best with not that much pace. If you drive it like a granny you'll get mid 30s no more. I can't wait for real world mpgs to be the norm, might even see diesels coming back into fashion.
Ford should be selling this in the US.
Ford has decided they're going to exit the sedan/hatchback market in North America to focus on more profitable SUVs and pickup trucks.
They are too busy suing European manufacturers for cheating diesel emissions while driving massive diesel trucks themselves
The only version North America will be getting is the SUV looking one, the Focus Active.
We are still getting a focus in the US so it's not going to be like the focus we have it's going to be called Focus active and it's more of a crossover SUV looking Focus
@@deadzone3125 I'm afraid even that isn't going to happen, thanks to Trump's trade war & the Focus Active being made in China it would be too expensive now. Which means the Mustang is Ford's only actual car on sale in the U.S.
3 quarters of this comment section prioritise looks over drivability. smh
You have to admit it's not the best looking car. But judging a car solely based on looks like some are doing is retarded, yes.
Think i would just go with a Kuga. Torsion beam rear suspension 84hp engine and different size screens is going to far.
Awesome 😃 👍 2018 ford Focus hatchbacks review .
Thinking about getting a 1 series or focus. Anyone got any suggestions
Jordan Hill what’s important for u
Why do people still insist on buying overpriced cars from VW (golf) and AUDI (A3) when this focus is so much better to drive?
Hope the transmissions don't go bad prematurely 😂
you know the rain water is getting inside your car right?
Why 16" wheels,, when the earlier version has 17" ??
Amazing this Ford focus..l thing that it is the best car of his category..great carbuyer
You are a wise man
Another thing Batch, just for the record, the car you are testing is the Titanium X which does come with all round parking sensors, the Titanium model only has front and rear sensors. Maybe do a little more research before posting, as you are a 'Motoring Journalist' after all.
The outside of the car kinda reminds me of the new mercedes a class
Not sure why you're comparing this so much to the Golf when it's the Astra it needs to beat.
Best in class for the steering wheel and dynamic is Alfa Giulietta btw. in this category. And the ecoboost doesn't have torque at all.
I'll stick my A3 and Corsa thanks
1:48 "...not like in the Peugeot 308, where you have to bury yourself in the menus" Sorry, but you press the fan icon on the upper-left side of the screen, which directly leads to the climate control settings - one single step. I'm not seeing anybody getting buried in that sort of exercise. The 3008 only improves on this by having a physical satin switch instead of a capacitive icon, but I'm not hearing complaints about the 3008. You need a 208 if you want a physical climate control panel, and you can bet that's disappearing for the next generation.
good work james, decent review
It looks like a concept car
Agree, amazing chassis and handling. A bit boring interior.
better than carwow's review... good job pal!
Only had bad experiences with VW Golf. I'm buying a Mazda3 or a ford focus, prolly the Mazda.
I test drove an St-line 1.0 ecoboost yesterday, and even though I wanted to love it, I felt that the ride was a bit crashy over potholes, and more noticeable in the rear... it didn't feel as composed as my current ride, a 2012 Focus. It is quite sharp on the bends, but a Mazda 3 has a more refined, fluid mechanical feel to it. The Focus felt strangely hollow and unsubstantial for the lack of better words... It didn't feel any more comfortable or special than a Fiesta, but don't take my word for it, try them both at the same day and find out for yourself. It is a great proposition for its price though, at least in Portugal, and it comes loaded with kit as standard. But IMHO, the biggest drawback is without a doubt, the interior design, I could not live with it... it is uninvolving and uninspired, strangely at odds with the way it drives... bland and generic on the outside too. Just my two cents!
WATCH AND LEARN, VW GOLF AND KIA CEED
You lost me at torsion beam.
Matthew Douglas The lower spec models have a torsion beam, higher spec are independently sprung.
@@Zerofightervi yes, you're right. I think the majority of buyers won't care but enthusiasts like us will. Even the new A class has a torsion beam on the entry level versions.
Well. Don't get interested for any of new hatchbacks.. All manufacturers prefer beam because of the price..
@@filmit8284 Don't loose hope! The new Corolla has multi link!
@@filmit8284 Not ALL new hatchbacks are made this way, the new Honda Civic has gone back to a IDS setup, as does the Kia Ceed.
Ford has NEVER designed a more Pretty car than this new Focus WOW
Why do car reviews not factor in the long term reliability of the cars which is important to owners? There's enough data available. Then it would be a choice between Honda, Mazda or Ford for long term owners, with Toyota if you want an automotive white good.
it has questionable desing like mk3... mk1 and mk2 looked the best but for this much quality increase and technology I would consider get this one over golf this means ford made ...it mk3 had worst interior for its time ford made huge improvement i like it
Wtf no physical handbrake. Electric handbrake only? The Vauxhall Insignia has had countell problems with the electric handbrake accidentally switching itself off when parked. That is dangerous.
I test this and new ceed. I ordered Ceed
Hi...why do you prefer to make this test under the rain?You could do this video under the roof.
ATMOSPHERE.
Ford Focus 4'0 vs VW Golf 7.5 will be the biggest family hatch battle, Ford would have ever faced, in previous gen battles, there was one easy winner the Golf, nog anymore, after driving the new Focus, I ve got to say, Ford has done a superb job, if its my money, I would go with Focus 1.5 120 hp diesel and it felt like a better deal than the Golf with same price
To be honest I'm very disappointed with the quality of the new focus as it dosent feel anywhere as solid as the old one everything feels thinner and lighter trying to save money I think are we ford!? Not good
Another car reviewer tested a similiar if not the same spec Focus with some of the options selected (led headlights, b&o speakers) and it came to just over £26k. I wish reviewers would tell viewers how much the car they're driving is worth because if you want a good version of any car you have to pay for it. At that price point you can buy most used hot hatches which are far more exciting than this. As for leasing or finance, i'm sure you can stretch the monthly payments to buy something more exciting than this. The new Ford Focus might be the top of the class for steering but it's distinctively average in all other areas.
blimey, at £26k you can get a well-equipped Merc A-Class on Carwow, that's an awful lot for a focus.
ACS607 what's the point comparing to second hand? You can get a used A7 for that money, second-hand will always net you more car. Kieran Odedra considering the A-class starts at 22 grand I'd hardly call a 26 grand one 'well-equipped'. It's not even mid-spec. 26 grand gets you a full option Focus, which has more kit than the Merc.
@@xIcarus227 i actually got an offer back for an A200 AMG Line which is top spec with the 160bhp engine, for £26,400. I know which car I'd rather have for the money.
Kieran Odedra it's a good offer, but you're not being very fair. it's likely the old model, and as with any German car the trim level doesn't give you much in terms of options. I found something similar here, just a lower powered version: stock.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vehicle-details/a-180-amg-line/45494/83 it doesn't even have Xenon headlamps while a Focus at that price is 2 steps above by having full LED headlamps. and the rest of the kit isn't even close, you get all the bells and whistles like sunroof, HUD, traffic detection, adaptive cruse control etc. the Merc is a nicer place to be in quality-wise for sure, but you just get significantly less kit. it's not as clear cut as you make it out to be, else everyone would buy Mercs. and lastly, those are offers. you can find a Focus similar to what I'm talking about for moderately cheaper, Ford dealerships are known to offer pretty heavy discounts.
@@xIcarus227 please don't think I don't know what I'm on about - it's the new model with the Executive option pack included i think, so you get heated seats, the bigger infotainment screen with Merc's new system, etc etc... anyway, each to their own i guess.
Now compare it to the new A-class. They are in the same class.
Peter Doyle a is more expensive
So u throw the potato chips any way good review
Wait did he just say what car has a wacky interior in this class?? *cough vauxhall Astra cough*
Looks like merc a class
You must be blind.
If everyone is calling the design ugly, you can bet it'll grow on 'em. Better than the ones that are so bland you can hardly tell what they are :)
Pretty nice. Doesn’t do much for me it’s a little bland.
Still prefer the facelift Leon
what is the obsession with scratchy plastics?
The front looks like a Kia. James Batchelor, what car in this class has a wacky interior, have you not seen the Mercedes A-Class??
I think the A Class is a step above a Focus. Sure they are similar sized hatchbacks but an A Class is more expensive.
Levi Sanderson I think it depends on the trim, from what I've heard the entry level A class is pretty fucking nasty. Someone even said they used Renault parts? Haven't been able to verify that claim. But yes, on average it's definitely above the Focus. Mercedes is a higher-segment brand after all.
I don't think the A-Class is that much of difference in class, when you look at price. Ford Focus ST-Line 1.0l Turbo aprox £23,000 compared to the Mercedes A-Class AMG Line 1.3 Turbo £26,000. Yes the engine is designed in conjunction with Renault/Nissan, it is not uncommon that engines are built in partnerships to keep costs and prices down, but it is built at Mercedes Benz plant by Mercedes Benz, remember that Renault and Mercedes are in F1 with Renault winning many times with Red Bull, and Nissan design and built the amazing GTR, so I think they have a good engine pedigree. With regards to the trim, I have been inside the new A-Class in standard trim and in my opinion it is well built, looks great and is really comfy, don't know where you have heard different, unless you are thinking about the old A-Class. I love the Focus and think it has come a long way, but I know which I would choose.
Craig If I had plenty of money, I’d go with the A class, not for initial costs, but because Mercedes cars made after the mid 2000’s are forever breaking down and having things going wrong with them, it looks great though. As the average Joe I’d go for the focus any day.
I prefer the last one.
More fun to drive than a Civic ?
AT LEAST THE FORD IS NOT A CRINGEWORTHY TO LOOK AT. FAKE VENTS FRONT AND REAR...
I've always been a Focus fan, but this mk4...I don't know...it looks like a boat! Lol
Tessio R R Bonafin Everyone dislikes new shapes when there first launched tbh, everyone was saying the same about the fiesta.
You look like a boat!
Invictus got ‘em lol
ill stick with my 10 year old mk2 and if you must have one Buy it, dont rent it for 219 a month capped at 10k a year only to give it away at the end of the 2 years, Thats the problem, no one buys cars anymore , this country should not shy away from older cars
This car is not sold in America
No they are not, Ford enginers couldnt squezze V8 trillion cubic engine under the hood for your american 'taste' !!!!!!!!!!!
The new edge design immediately made everything outdated and..... It got outdated pretty fast too. Nowadays MK1 Focus seem far more dated than any other car of its time
I’d love to see the Ford Focus have a cross over version, as the Edge is too expensive and has the lowest performance in it category...what bs cars should have iPad sized screens at the minimum! One reason why Tesla is doing so well, because they thought about what people want in a car...
I don't want an, "Ifotainment" screen in any car I buy. Give me a dab/cd system and no spying.