Motoring

Ford Focus Active – The hatch becomes a SUV.

The Ford Focus has taken a turn thanks to a new ‘Active’ model that will go on sale in 2019. The Active is essentially a SUV inspired take on the popular hatch. It will join the new ST-Line and Focus Trend.

“The Focus Active is a strong addition to the line-up and is a great match to the active lives of Australians,”said Kay Hart, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand. “The German-sourced Focus range now offers new variants including the ST-Line hatch, ST-Line wagon and Active hatch, all designed to offer greater versatility and adaptability.”

The Focus Active will start from $29,990 and clearly combines five-door hatchback looks with an elevated 34mm ride height. To add to the whole mini SUV thing, front and rear skid plates and silver inserts give the Active a new identity. The styling also has extended to a new front bumper, LED adaptive cornering fog lamps, a honeycomb grille and LED Daytime Running Lights.

There’s a host of technology onboard including Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system comes as standard via an 8.0-inch screen that includes a 180-degree split-view reversing camera.

Some driver assist technology is reserved for the options list such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCA) and Active Braking.

The interior has been updated with more space and decluttered dash layout. A new wireless charging pad has also been added for compatible smartphones. Power is delivered by a new 1.5L EcoBoost engine that produces 134kW/240Nm. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic as standard. There’re also some new driving modes called ‘Slippery Mode’ and “Trail Mode’ for increased traction on snow, ice and sand. I love the look of it, we look forward to a drive in 2019!

Chris Bowen

Chris was EFTM's Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce. He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012. Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers. Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney's North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family. He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page "Bowen's Garage"

Recent Posts

  • Tech

Review: OPPO Reno 11 F 5G, mid-range smartphone? Could have fooled me

The OPPO Reno 11 F is OPPO’s latest mid-range smartphone and once again it is…

2 days ago
  • Tech

Podcast: Optus and TPG get together for the bush, Qantas Woes & more tech news – Two Blokes Talking Tech #631

Optus and TPG/Vodafone get together after it didn't work out with Telstra and TPG -…

2 days ago
  • Motoring

EXCLUSIVE: Tesla Supercharger roll-out in Australia stopped as job losses at Tesla end new development

Massive news in the world of Electric Vehicles this week with Tesla laying off around…

2 days ago
  • Lifestyle

Podcast: TITANIC – The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen

Jack and Rose, a love story and a tragedy. The iconic Titanic disaster incorporated into…

2 days ago
  • Motoring

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid tops sales charts, but Ford Ranger streets ahead of Toyota HiLux year-to-date

The new-car sales race had quite a few upsets last month, according to official figures…

2 days ago
  • News

AirBNB announce fun new Icon experiences letting you rub shoulders with the stars and more

Finding a fun experience while on a holiday is even easier, with AirBNB announcing Icons,…

3 days ago