The 4th generation of the Ford Focus brings forth a new exterior and interior design as well as lots of latest automotive technologies. The new 2019 Ford Focus Sedan will however first go on sale in Asia and Europe in the second half of 2018 before Ford ships it to the U.S.A from China. Although the passenger market is declining, the Ford Focus is still an important car for the automaker especially in the U.S. market where sales still reach over 150,000 units annually for both the sedan and hatchback models.
New 2019 Ford Focus Sedan Exterior
Like the hatchback, the new 2019 Ford Focus Sedan has been hooked up with a new face featuring a 6-point grille. The grille is flanked by T-shaped LED headlights with LED DRLs. Ford seems to have derived inspiration for the headlights from the ‘Thor Hammer’ design of the Volvo. The hood has been slightly redesigned while the model’s corner intakes are taller and a lot like those on the RS trim. The rear end has a sloping design which begins from the B-pillar and curves into the deck-lid in a manner that mimics a fastback model. At the rear, the sedan features LED taillights that are similar to that of the Focus hatchback and wagon models. The design is similar to that of Subaru Impreza.
The model appears longer than it really is courtesy of the longer wheelbase. The sedan and the rest of Focus models are based on the C2 platform which has enabled the automaker to stretch the wheelbase by 2.08 inches. The model also features shorter overhangs.
Interior
The changes are also significant in the cabin. To start with, Ford has equipped the Focus sedan with a new dashboard which has a flatter design. HVAC vents look slimmer while the old-looking center stack has been done away with; Ford has replaced it with a new, floating infotainment system. The design of the HVAC vents and the infotainment system controls mimic the radiator grille on the front fascia.
Ford has also done away with the conventional gear shifter in favor of rotary unit while the usual cup-holders that surround the gear shifter now have a longitudinal alignment. There is also a wireless charging pad on the center stack as well as a wider armrest for the driver and front passenger. The sedan also has a new instrument cluster with a larger central digital screen.
Due to the longer wheelbase, the sedan offers more legroom for the rear passengers ensuring a more comfortable drive even over long distances.
The sedan also comes with a host of autonomous driving assist systems including an adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic traffic sign recognition, evasive steering wheel assist and automatic parking assist. More details will be available closer to its on sale date.
Engine and performance
According to released specs of the European version of the Focus sedan, the model will be powered by a 1.0 L EcoBoost and 1.5 L EcoBoost gasoline mills. The 1.0 L mill is available in three states of tune one i.e.84 hp, 99 hp, and 124 hp. The 1.5 L mill, on the other hand, is available in two states of tune with the least powerful iteration producing 148 hp while the most powerful version produces 180 hp.
Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox in standard form; an 8-speed automatic gearbox is optional. In Europe, the sedan is also available in a number of EcoBlue diesel mills. Diesel mills in Europe include a 1.5 L engine that produces 94 hp or 118 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque irrespective if the state of tune chosen. The most powerful diesel mill for the sedan is the 2.0 L unit that can produce 148 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
However, in the U.S. market, the sedan will likely use a 1.5 L turbo mill to enable the model to compete more effectively with the Honda Civic, Chevy Cruze and VW Jetta.
Price and release date
Ford is yet to officially release the new 2019 Ford Focus sedan in the U.S. so it is too early to talk about its prices. However, due to the declining sales in the saloon car segment, automakers have had to charge competitive prices to remain relevant in the market. Similarly, Ford will have to keep the prices of the new generation Focus close to the current model’s $17,950 to $24,270 price range. The model will debut in the U.S. later this year before going on sale early next year.
Competition
Top rivals of the Focus sedan include the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
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