Before we get to the one you're interested in (the ST-Line hatch),
let's run through the cornucopia of derivative styles. There's the
wagon. The sedan. The Cross. And a Vignale hatch. I can't help but feel
like an early 80s Kung Fu movie when regaling these nomenclatures, all
that's missing is the Crane Fighting style! Because the Focus WILL have
to fight against stalwart competitors such as the Golf and to a lesser
extent the Megane and Astra (maybe), plus stiff competition from the
next Toyota Auris.
Tell me about the ST-Line
Okay but
you're not going to like it. It's not a ST. Rather a trim kit, think
Audi's S-Line or even M Performance trim. But let's not get stuck on
that and get back to the good stuff. The new Focus is new-new, an
all-new platform with exciting new tech and is alleged to have been
developed collaboratively with Ford customers. Hmm ok. It's German so
build quality will be wunderbar! It's also the marque's first product of
their new (safer) C2 platform.
The styling is fresh if somewhat
familiar, with many likening it to 'insert South Korean hatchback here'
and quite frankly we see it too. But it still also clearly resembles an
evolution over the previous Focus. Technology really rivals D segment
and above now with adaptive cruise control paired with stop and go,
speed sign recognition and lane centering. Bendy and adaptive headlamps,
Active Park Assist 2, Evasive Steering Assist (not just for the Yanks
hey - pun intended) and Ford's first ever heads up display round out the
total offering. Further affecting how it rides is CCD or continuously
controlled damping which will naturally be adjustable via Ford's patent
driving modes.
Under that blue metal bonnet you'll have a choice
of 1 or 1.5 litre Ecoboost petrol engine complete with cylinder
deactivation. Want to burn the thicker stuff? There are efficient
EcoBlue 1.5 and 2.0 litre diesel options as well, with a new eight speed
automatic transmission now in the line-up dubbed the operated via a
Rotary dial. Furthermore Ford boast human-centric design in the new Ford
Focus which is brilliant. I'm glad they're finally building cars for
humans. Apparently what they mean by that is in fact that we're now
meant to fall in love with our Fords which, I'm sure you will agree, is
nice.
The bit at the end
Ford's Focus has always been the
choice of drivers, an engaging steer, entertaining chassis with enough
shunt to keep you interested on the occasional twisty tar. Let's hope
this promising new formula continues that trend.
