Today saw the global reveal of the all new fourth-generation Ford Focus.
The world's best-selling family favourite, first introduced 20 years ago, has sold almost 2million models in the UK and has been a stalwart in Ford's European line-up.
According to Ford, the all-new 2018 model has been created with a clean sheet 'from the ground up' and helps usher in a 'new era of technology, comfort, space and driving experience' to the Ford brand, as well as featuring a raft of new technology never seen before.
To entice buyers, Ford have cut the starting price of their new model by more than £2,000.
The new range will be available in 13 colours along with a standard 5-door hatchback and estate. Trims include: Style, Zetec, ST-Line, Titanium and the top end Vignale - deliveries are expected for September plates. There's also a new Active crossover - arriving 2019.
The ST-Line adds a sportier feel with lower wing air-inlets, a larger roof-spoiler and bodykit, whilst the new Active adds elevated ground clearance and off-road front and rear skid plates.
This will be Ford's first model based on their C2 platform, designed to improve crash performance and deliver a more composed ride. Thanks to its new chassis and independent rear suspension with controlled damping - hitting those potholes with force should be a thing of the past.
Manufactured in Germany, the new Focus is expected to be awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Style-wise, the Focus sports new aerodynamics and exterior styling, helped by its longer wheelbase. The expanded grille showcases a wider stance, along with a more athletic sporty presence.
Inside, the cabin has also been given a major revamp. The interior has been simplified to create a more calming feel. Buttons and switches have been replaced with soft-touch plastics and materials.
The dashboard includes the option of a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, with infotainment features compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The range-topping Vignale offers a 10-speaker 675 Watt B&O sound system.
With improved internal space, driver and passengers will be able to enjoy more leg and headroom, both front and rear. Boot space has also been enhanced.
Four powertrains are available - two petrol and two diesel. Offering better fuel economy and CO2 emissions, Ford aim to be ahead of the competition.
Petrol powertrains include: A 1.0-litre, EcoBoost with 85PS, 100PS or 125PS and a 1.5-litre, EcoBoost with 150PS or 182PS. Both are available with 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.
New turbocharged diesel options include: A 1.5-litre EcoBlue with 95PS or 120PS and a 2.0-litre EcoBlue 150PS. Both are available with 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.
There's also an array of new safety technology. Evasive Steering Assist - which automatically steers the car around vehicles in front which have stopped ahead, to help avoid collisions, Blind Spot Information, Rear-view Camera, Forward Collision Warning and Ford MyKey - which allows owners to programme a key for younger drivers with restrictions; such as speed and volume of audio system.
New driver safety aids are also prominent, including; Speed Sign Recognition, an optional heads-up display - a first for Ford, which projects key information onto the windscreen, Active Park Assist 2 - which enables fully automated parking manoeuvres and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The 2018 Focus also features WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices, as well as a new wireless charging pad for smartphones. And, a useful FordPass mobile app, to help owners check their fuel levels remotely, find their car if lost in a carpark or even start it remotely.
There's also the option of a panoramic roof.
Prices are expected to start at £17,930 for the Style entry level, £19,300 for the Zetec, £21,570 for the ST-Line, the Titanium coming in at £21,550 and the range-topping Vignale £25,450. Optional extras are available.
Speculation surrounds a possible hybrid in the future, as well as a sportier 'RS' model.
Ford said “With mid-size family cars accounting for almost one-in-five sales across Europe last year, Focus remains as important as ever to our company and our customers, which is why we've put so much energy into developing an all-new model that is among the very best cars we've ever produced.”
Amongst the competitive mid-size family sector, the new cost effective Ford Focus is sure to, again, be a decisive player.