Ford presents what will be the last update to the Ford Focus before the arrival of a completely new generation. And it does so with a complete update that not only affects the design, both exterior and interior. There are also technical innovations, such as a new seven-speed Powershift transmission and, especially, the brand’s SYNC 4 multimedia system. In addition, new driving assistants arrive.
The exterior and interior design of the new Ford Focus 2022
Few changes, but of those that are noticed at first glance. All the versions of the Focus receive details of style that try to more strongly reflect its personality, either in the Connected and Titanium series betting on the chrome; on the ST-Line to enhance its sportiness with the side skirts, the rear diffuser, the spoiler, or the grille with a glossy black honeycomb pattern; or in the Active with touches that make it seem even more “country”.
In general, the new hood makes the height of the nose of the car gain visual presence, with a larger grille that takes on greater prominence. New headlights with LED technology are fitted to all variants, now with integrated fog lights.
Ford SYNC 4 multimedia equipment: the biggest screen
The most striking thing in the cabin, without a doubt, is the integration of a new touch screen that goes no less than 13.2 inches, one of the largest in the category. It is the true “heart” of Ford’s SYNC 4 multimedia system, already with capabilities such as machine learning to provide suggestions and search results in line with driver behavior, wireless updates, and connected services.
However, we are not too convinced by the decision to eliminate the physical buttons to control the air conditioning, which is now managed through the touch screen. Free up the dashboard, which is cleaner. But it is easier, more direct, and safer to use the physical controls … or resort to the new advanced speech recognition.
Connectivity is completed with free trial access (subscription time not specified) to Connected Navigation and Ford Secure services, with which you can enjoy direct information on traffic or parking, local risks, or 24-hour assistance at vehicle theft events, including tracking and recovery.
For connected navigation and predictive traffic information and real-time weather resorts to TomTom and Garmin. City maps are presented in spectacular 3D graphics.
New driving assistants
In the section on driving aids, the arrival of the new Full LED headlights with automatic high beams and maneuvering lights (widens the light beam at low speed) as standard stands out. Dynamic pixel LED favors with anti-glare, camera-based dynamic light, bad weather light, and signal-based light are available as an option to better illuminate cyclists or pedestrians.
Also new is the Blind Spot Assist 3 system, which monitors the blind spot up to 28 meters behind the vehicle and can intervene on the steering to prevent a lane change. Or Intersection Assist, which relies on a camera and radar to apply the brakes and mitigate a potential accident in the event of a potential collision at a junction or intersection.
There is no shortage of a local hazard information system, which transmits to drivers possible dangerous situations on the road (based on the connection in the cloud with other vehicles), and active cruise control with signal recognition and lane centering.
The engines of the new Ford Focus 2022: gasoline and diesel
In the mechanical section, the most interesting novelty is the arrival of a new seven-speed dual-clutch Powershift automatic transmission that, in addition to greater efficiency, can finally be combined with the 48-volt MHEV light hybridization gasoline engines.
The range includes the 1-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine in 100 hp and 125 hp versions with a 6-speed manual transmission or in 125 and 155 hp variants with manual transmission or the new Powershift. Ford continues to rely on the EcoBlue diesel versions, with the 1.5 four-cylinder engine in 95 and 120 hp variants. For the most powerful, an eight-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
