After spotting the 2019 Focus hatchback prototype doing testing runs severally over the last 12 months, we have finally spotted its sedan counterpart making its own test runs. The 2019 Ford Focus Sedan which is set to make a debut in 2018 as a 2019 model year will for the first time be built at the automaker’s plant in China. Previously, the automaker had planned to shift production of the Focus to Mexico from its current production plant in Wayne, Michigan but opted to shelve those plans in favor of China. I understand the automaker plans to use the Wayne plant to produce the more profitable Bronco and Ranger models.
One of the reasons that advised the decision to shift production to China is the dwindling sales of passenger saloons in the U.S. For the first 6 months of this year (2017), Ford has only managed to sell 82,721 units of both the Focus sedan and hatchback compared with 103,144 units sold during the same period in 2016.
2019 Ford Focus Sedan Exterior and interior
Our sources indicate that the new Ford Focus will be based on a new chassis. This is confirmed by the prototypes undergoing testing as they look longer. I am also informed that they have a longer wheelbase. The model will also be wider and as well as shorter in terms of height. The sedan also seems to have a more broad rear overhang. The overall design according to our sources will be actually an evolution of the current Focus design language.
Due to the heavy camouflage, there is little we can tell about the new sedan’s design. The camouflage may, however, be a hint that most of the exterior features will be upgraded; for example, the rear bumper and the trunk are wrapped in heavy camouflage meaning the model may gain completely new units.
The heavy camouflage means we also don’t have a clue about the interior styling of the Focus sedan. One thing is sure though; due to the increased proportions, the cabin will be larger and will thus provide more room for passengers as well as for cargo. I also expect the automaker to do away with the current dash in favor of a more modern one; most probably, the automaker may derive inspiration from the latest Fusion.
Engine and performance
We are not sure what engines Ford is planning to use on the 2019 Ford Focus sedan. However, according to rumor mills, the automaker will ditch the current lineup of naturally aspirated engines in favor of EcoBoost mills. The sedan is already powered by an EcoBoost mill in Europe. In the U.S., the base engine for the Focus sedan may be a 1.0 L, 3-cylinder unit that produces 140 hp. There will be another more powerful engine but we are not sure what it will be. In Europe, the sedan is also powered by a 1.5 L, mill which may also make it to the U.S. As for the transmission system, there are reports that Ford will replace the current PowerShift DCT with a new automatic transmission system I understand is being developed in partnership with General Motors.
Price and release date
Considering the dwindling sales of passenger cars, I believe Ford will competitively price the sedan. Actually, the automaker may decide to maintain the current model’s prices. The current Focus sedan has a starting price of around $18,000. The sedan will be released sometimes in 2018 most likely in the first half of the year.
2019 Ford Focus Sedan Render
Competition
The 2019 Ford Focus Sedan will compete with new models of the likes of Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic.
