New Ford Focus 2022: facelift and more connectivity

Ford presents what will be the last update of the Ford Focus before the arrival of a completely new generation. And it does so with a comprehensive refresh that affects not only the exterior and interior design. There are also new developments on the technical side, such as a new seven-speed Powershift transmission and, especially, the brand’s SYNC 4 multimedia system. In addition, new driving assistants arrive.

The exterior and interior design of the new Ford Focus 2022

Few changes, but ones that are noticeable at first glance. All versions of the Focus receive styling details that seek to reflect its personality more strongly, whether in the Connected and Titanium trims with their chrome accents; in the ST-Line to enhance its sportiness with the side skirts, rear diffuser, spoiler and grille with glossy black honeycomb mesh; or in the Active with touches that make it look even more “rugged”.

Overall, the new bonnet raises the height of the car’s nose, giving it greater visual presence, with a larger grille that takes on more prominence. New LED headlights are fitted on all variants, now with integrated fog lights.

Ford SYNC 4 multimedia system: the largest screen

The most striking feature in the cabin is, without doubt, the integration of a new touchscreen that measures a full 13.2 inches, among the largest in the segment. It is the true “heart” of the Ford SYNC 4 multimedia system, with features such as machine learning to offer suggestions and search results tailored to the driver’s behaviour, over-the-air updates and connected services.

However, we are not entirely convinced by the decision to remove the physical buttons for climate control, which are now operated through the touchscreen. It frees up the dashboard, which looks cleaner. But it is easier, more direct and safer to use physical controls… or to resort to the new advanced voice recognition.

Connectivity is completed with a free trial (the subscription duration is not specified) of the Connected Navigation and Ford Secure services, which provide direct information on traffic or parking, local hazards, or 24-hour assistance in the event of vehicle theft, including tracking and recovery.

For connected and predictive navigation, with real-time traffic and weather information, the system relies on TomTom and Garmin. City maps are presented in spectacular 3D graphics.

New driving assistants

In the driving aids section, the arrival of the new Full LED headlights stands out, with automatic high beam and manoeuvring light (which widens the beam at low speed) as standard. Optionally, dynamic pixel LED headlights are offered, with anti-dazzle functions, camera-based dynamic lighting, bad-weather lighting and signal-based lighting that better illuminates cyclists or pedestrians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIZqeMHTmAA

Also new is the Blind Spot Assist 3 system, which monitors the blind spot up to 28 metres behind the vehicle and can intervene on the steering to prevent a lane change. Or the Intersection Assist, which uses a camera and radar to apply the brakes and mitigate a possible accident in the event of a potential collision at a junction or intersection.

There is also a local hazard information system, which alerts drivers to possible dangers on the road (based on cloud connection with other vehicles), and active cruise control with sign recognition and lane centring.

Engines of the new Ford Focus 2022: petrol and diesel

In the mechanical section, the most interesting novelty is the arrival of a new Powershift seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox which, in addition to greater efficiency, can finally be combined with the petrol engines with 48-volt MHEV mild-hybrid.

The range includes the EcoBoost 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in 100 CV and 125 CV versions with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or in 125 and 155 CV variants with a manual or the new Powershift. Ford continues to rely on the EcoBlue diesel versions, with the four-cylinder 1.5 engine in 95 and 120 CV variants. For the most powerful, an eight-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

New Ford Focus 2022 image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackFord Focus19 versions · from 31,034 €