The facelifted 2022 Ford Focus range has been revealed in Europe, but we won’t be seeing the non-performance models Down Under.
Ford Australia said earlier this week the declining small passenger segment led to the decision to ditch the core range, citing a 9.0-per cent drop in overall market share from 2014 through to 2020, despite the tripling of hot hatch sales.
Ford of Europe is going hard on tech and efficiency with its latest update, with new 48V mild-hybrid powertrains, a new seven-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission option, the brand’s latest Sync 4 infotainment interface, over-the-air updates, and trick Pixel LED headlights.
Externally, the new styling echoes the look of the updated Fiesta with a sharper front end and angular headlights, a new LED daytime running light signature, and a revised front grille with the Ford logo relocated to the centre.
Focus Active wagon (left), Focus ST-Line hatch (right)
Ford says the new design language is inspired by its “human-centric” philosophy, which gives each Focus variant its own distinct personality.
All versions of the new Focus get standard full-LED headlights and auto high-beam, with Dynamic Pixel LED headlights available on higher grades with a matrix-like ‘Glare-Free High Beam’, camera-based dynamic bending, Bad-Weather Light and Sign-based Light functions.
Bad-Weather Light changes the beam pattern for enhanced illumination and visibility when the windscreen wipers are activated, and Sign-based Light uses the forward-facing camera to detect road signs as a reference point to adjust the beam pattern while also better illuminating pedestrians and cyclists at junctions and roundabouts.
Other exterior revisions include darkened tail light lenses and a new LED design for higher grade models, and various new trim elements depending on model as part of their respective identities.
Inside the focus on tech has seen the dashboard revised and simplified, with physical switchgear reduced and a huge new 13.2-inch Sync 4 touchscreen sitting proudly atop the centre stack.
Heating and ventilation controls are now accessed via the display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless, and the new infotainment software allows for what the company calls ‘Ford Power-Up’ wireless software updates.
There’s also trial access to Ford’s new Connected Navigation and Ford Secure services, the former including “live traffic, weather and parking information as well as Local Hazard Information for an enhanced customer experience”, while the latter pertains to 24-hour on-call assistance if the vehicle is stolen – including tracking and recovery.
Ford Secure will receive neighbourhood alerts from other vehicles in the area compatible with the technology, and geo-fencing can be enabled so you get notifications if the vehicle leaves a set area.
Enhanced driver assistance technologies for 2022 include:
- Blind-spot assist: Applies counter-steering to discourage a lane change and avoid collisions if an approaching vehicle is detected, scanning adjacent lanes for vehicles up to 28m behind the vehicle at a rate of 20 times per second. Operating speeds from 65-200km/h.
- Blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Coverage: The driver can enter the length and width of the trailer using the Sync 4 touchscreen so the blind-spot monitoring system can automatically compensate
- Intersection Assist: Builds on the standard AEB system by using the forward-facing camera and radar sensors to avoid potential collisions with oncoming vehicles in parallel lanes. The system can automatically apply the brakes when travelling up to 30km/h at crossroads and junctions.
The Vignale trim level is also gone from the European range. Instead, an option pack bearing the same name is available on Titanium, ST-Line and Active variants as the “ultimate luxury specification”. Headline inclusions include satin exterior accents, exclusive alloy wheel options and “enhanced equipment levels”.
A range of updated EcoBoost Hybrid powertrains are available with the facelifted range in Europe, referring to the brand’s 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Headlining the new engine range is a 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 48V MHEV tech, essentially the same unit available in the smaller Puma overseas.
It’s available in 92kW and 114kW tunes, and can be had with either a six-speed manual or new seven-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
The 48V MHEV tech helps the 1.0L petrol to achieve WLTP-certified fuel efficiency from 5.1L/100km, and emissions from 115g/km. With the optional Powershift transmission, the electrified petrol engine will allow idle start/stop to engage from 12km/h as the vehicle rolls to a stop.
A non-MHEV version of the 1.0L EcoBoost petrol remains available solely with a six-speed manual in 100PS (74kW) and 125PS (92kW) tunes, as well as the 1.5-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder turbo diesel in 95PS (70kW) and 120PS (88kW) variants.
Rounding out the line-up is the updated Ford Focus ST that will be the sole variant offered in Australia, expected to arrive during the second quarter of 2022.
Being the flagship of the range, the ST will offer all the high-end feature and technology options available in non-performance models, and like Europe Australia will offer ST and ST X specifications. You can read all about the new Focus ST here.
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