SUVs and anything SUV related is what the general public are interested in, and the Ford Focus Active adds yet more choice to the Focus range. The Focus, being an established hatchback, goes about it’s business as usual but how do Ford go about keeping up hatch sales? With beefed up styling, the Focus Active is aimed at a rugged lifestyle on the weekends, and mundane but crucial commuting duties during the week.
Unlike an SUV, the driver sits at the same height as you do in a regular Focus, so if the ‘height’ of an SUV is what you’re looking for, other options in the range will fulfill this requirement better. The overall interior quality is solid as usual and space is good. If you’re familiar with Ford family traits, you will recognise much of the Focus inside. Outside there are a number of additions that make the Focus Active stand out from the crowd.
There’s updated front and rear bumpers, protective black plastic lining the arches and sills, black roof rails, skid plate at the front and re-designed rear diffuser. The ride height is raised to allow for the revised suspension and bigger tyres, the effect of this on dynamics means there’s a slightly more supple ride than a normal Focus, to allow for those off road dust trail journeys.
There are five drive modes to adjust depending on your driving environment; Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Trail. Normal is best for urban driving, with eco saved for the worst of commuting tail backs. Sport and Trail are only for the gentlest of advances over normal, as it’s not a 4×4 it won’t be hugging the rails. The additional 30mm ground clearance and softer suspension is where it’s agility comes in to play on the off-road trails.
The Focus has always been a fine car, the Active enhances it’s profile and is a lovely drive. It does a good job of keeping the general buying public’s attention on hatchbacks and how they’re still worthy of your time and money.
Special mention : Active really adds to the look of the Focus, attracting attention with it’s beefiness.
Needs work : The infotainment graphics could do with an update, bringing the Focus in line with it’s competition.
Specs:
| Max Power 120ps | Diesel / Manual 6 Speed |
| 0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds | Road Tax €190 |
| Starting price Focus €22,513
Active Model as specced €27,013 |
Boot litres 316 |