Ford recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of one of its leading models; The Ford Focus. It is one of the UK's most popular cars year after year; Ford has sold 16 million of the Focus since the model was launched in 1998, including 7 million in Europe. Almost 2 million have been sold in the UK – we're proud to offer the best car deals possible on these fantastic cars.
Now, the blue oval vehicle manufacturers decided it was time to really raise the bar with its latest edition. To celebrate the success of these superb car models, we're taking a look back at the history of the Focus since its initial unveiling in 1998.
Where it all began: Mk 1
The Ford Focus was initially launched as a replacement for Ford Escort. Considering that the Ford Escort was a highly popular model in its own right, this meant that the Ford Focus had some pretty big shoes to fill; and did it. The introduction of the Focus model was in 3 versions – a three door hatchback (later in 2002 a 5 door hatchback version was released), 4 door sedan and a 5 door wagon.
The first model of the Ford Focus was highly successful, winning the European car of the year award in 1999. It is still considered by many as the great benchmark for affordable motoring for the masses. However, in the infant stages of its launch the Ford Focus did experience some setbacks with legal disputes over the name with German publishing company Hubert Burda. Since then, the Ford Focus hasn't looked back and it has gone from strength to strength with every new edition.
Adapting and improving: Mk 2
The Ford focus became so popular due to its alternate design, brilliant performance, fantastic handling and outstanding value for money. The second generation Focus was launched at the Paris Motor Show on 23 September 2004 as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate, although the new car was previewed in 4-door sedan form. It was christened the "Focus Concept" and this edition only improved on the attributes of the brilliant first model.
The Focus Mk 2 was larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor with a 25 mm increase in wheelbase, 168 mm longer, 8 mm taller and 138 mm wider. As a result, the interior and boot space increased in size facilitating more room for the fresh technologies that the model was incorporating to keep up with the times. Such new technologies as a KeyFree system, a solar-reflect windshield, adaptive front lighting, Bluetooth hands-free phones and voice control for audio, telephone, and climate control systems. All highly sought after features at the time, conveniently implemented into a beautiful updated model.
Ford also released the Mk 2 version of Ford's sports division of the Focus, the ST. For those that appealed towards the Focus car model but wanted that extra umph, the ST was powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine producing up to 225 bhp (168 kW) and could achieve a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of just 6.4 seconds, and a 152 mph (245 km/h) top speed.
A few years later in 2007–2008, a facelifted version was introduced featuring Ford's Kinetic Design philosophy. This design saw a new bonnet with the removal of all mouldings along the doors and sides, more creases, new sculpted pull back headlights, and the big trapezoidal lower grille. Another body type alteration which was fond amongst users.
Staying on top: Mk 3
In 2010, at the North American Motor Show, the Ford Focus Mk 3 five-door hatchback model was displayed along with a new 2.0-litre direct injection inline-four engine and a five-door station wagon was also made available at the launch. A year later from the initial unveiling, the new generation launched simultaneously in North America and Europe. The new generation of Focus incorporated a redesigned cabin with new materials and new entertainment technologies.
Ford also debuted the all-electric Ford Focus Electric at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2011 to compete with the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt. The electric car is available only in California, New York, and New Jersey, in limited numbers. The European release was scheduled for late 2012 and it paved the way for a greener future for Fords vehicles. The Focus electric is powered by a liquid- cooled lithium-ion battery offering a top speed of 84mph and an impressive 100 mile range.
Another big feature from the Mk 3 was the release of the EcoBoost range. This engine facilitated unbelievable levels of fuel efficiency and superb power. All these features saw the Ford Focus remain the best-selling car in the world in 2012.
In summer 2012 Ford launched the Focus ST which had 252 bhp (188 kW) from a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine. Ford previewed the third generation facelifted model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and at the end of March 2014, the most common car in Great Britain was the Ford Focus (1.5 million).
Ford previewed the third generation facelifted model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show which featured a new redesigned front end design, incorporating Ford's slimline headlights and new family grille. The sporty ST and an RS model which features an upgraded version of the 2.3-litre engine from the Ford Mustang continued Ford's performance range. One of the most anticipated features for the upgraded version around this time was the 2016 Ford Focus RS's "Drift" Button, which was the first in the Focus line.
Latest & Greatest: Mk 4
The latest edition of the Ford Focus model was unveiled on the 10th April 2018, coinciding with the Focus' 20th anniversary. It got a brand-new look, more tech and toys, more trim options, more space, luxury and comfort than ever before.
The design has changed with the cabin sitting a lot further back compared to the older models and the A-pillars are now slanted backwards. The new Focus is lower and wider than before achieving all the good metrics of car design while offering more space. It also has a longer bonnet creating an overall more powerful look.
Under the bonnet, the engine choices are available in either Ecoboost petrol (1.0 or 1.5) or Ecoblue diesel (1.5 or 2.0). For the petrol engines, the 1.0-litre comes in 85hp, 100hp or 125hp guise; the 1.5-litre comes in 150hp or 182hp form. The Ecoblue diesels deliver CO2 from 91g/km for the 95hp 1.5-litre engine; it's also offered in 120hp form. The 2.0-litre produces 150hp, and is expected to boast CO2 emissions from 110g/km.
In the interior Ford has upped interior quality, and greatly simplified the layout. There's a Fiesta-style floating central touchscreen, and optional new materials such as polished glass and brushed metal finishes. High-end and automatic models get an electronic parking brake to complete the clutter-free look. The new Ford Focus is bigger inside. Knee room is up 50mm, there's 60mm more shoulder room and details such as a flat floor and rear windows that stretch into the rear pillar enhance the spacious feel. An optional, openable, panoramic glass roof is available.
Tech wise, the new Focus with a wealth of advanced driver assist tech; adaptive Cruise Control that includes stop and go, lane centreing and speed limit sign recognition. Evasive Steering Assist helps drivers steer around obstructions, and the Adaptive Front Lighting System has a camera-based predictive curve light and industry-first road sign detection. The new Focus brings head-up displays to the Ford range in Europe for the first time, while the latest generation of Active Park Assist 2 will now park it at the push of a button – handling all accelerator, brake and gear selection.
Simply put, there's a reason the Focus is so popular and were excited to offer some fantastic deals on the latest version.
