While Ford is keeping the Fiesta on the market for nearly ten years before replacing it, they can’t afford to do that with the Focus. This is because it is in a much more competitive market where cars usually get updates before the six-year mark. This means that the current Focus is already overdue, and this is clearly visible in its sales numbers. The car will continue on the market for one more year in the current state before being replaced by the redesigned 2018 Ford Focus. The new model will be based on a revamped chassis, most likely derived from the CD4 platform. Not much has been said about it but the model spied a while ago was longer and wider than the current version.
Changes
At first, these were just rumors, but this became clear once the car was spotted. It featured longer quarter-panels, and also it seems to be wider than the currently available Focus. While this is the trend with most other cars out there, it is not always the good move. However, Ford is making the Focus larger because they have an all new small car on the market, the Ka+ and with this move, they will better distinguish vehicles in the lineup.
This means that the Fiesta will also get more expensive which will also cause the Focus to become more expensive as well. We only hope that with the added cost the car will also be better equipped. Even there are no details about the price we know that the asking figure of $17,255 for 2017 model will go up and most likely breach $18,000 mark.
Unlike with the ongoing model which had its ST version two years after release and its RS version more than five years, the 2018 Ford Focus will be quite a bit more different. The car is expected to be introduced in late 2017 when the new ST will also be launched. The RS should follow shortly after, most likely in the late 2018 and it will help out Ford to round up the offer with two performance oriented vehicles.
The car’s new platform is expected to be lighter and more rigid than before. Also, the added wheelbase and likely wider track mean that the new Focus will be bigger inside the cabin. Sure, the larger car could mean that it will be not that good to drive. However, if we take a look at Ford’s history with these types of cars, then we are quite sure that they’ll stay true to their origins. The Focus might use a new and upgraded independent suspension system; larger brakes and a more compliant suspension system, all available even on the base model.
Design
The look is still under development at this point. However, we had a chance to take a glimpse at the upcoming Fiesta and the new Ka+. Both of these seem to follow a new design scheme which the redesigned Focus could very well use. The front end will get a very similar design to the new Fusion. On top of that, at the back, the car could ditch its current traits in the favor of something a bit more similar to its German competitors. Changes to the rear include LED tail lights and fifth door redesign for a hatchback.
2018 Ford Focus Engine
In Europe, the 2018 Ford Focus will very likely get only a 1.0-liter EcoBoost inline three as its petrol engine, at least this will be when it launches. Later down the road larger 1.5 and 2.0-liter units should become available. The US market will likely finally ditch the old 2.0-liter naturally aspirated mill in the favor of an EcoBoost engine.
Both markets should receive the ST at the same time. So far not much has been said, but it seems the car may make well over 250 horsepower, and 250 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. A diesel version ST could also be available in the US market for the first time but we do not know the exact specs for this one. It will most likely use 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel, but the power output hasn’t been specified.
The future RS could get the same powertrain as the current model and almost identical all-wheel drive system that has already been proven as reliable and quite good. With more power and better looks, we think that Ford has pretty good chances to achieve more with this car and to become one of the leaders in the segment.
