New Ford Focus Active 2019 Review

Has the car industry got the crossover craze back to front? We鈥檝e been subject to an armada of chunky compact SUVs that are markedly different in design and execution to more humble hatchback siblings their makers no longer seem interested in selling you. Ford, however, has trodden a less-beaten path of late. That leads us to this: the new Ford Focus Active. Fiesta. Key to this are tougher-looking front and rear bumpers, protective black plastic cladding lining the arches and sills, a set of roof rails, and a raised ride height courtesy of revised suspension and larger tyres. Some Active bespoke trim elements and finishes appear in the cabin, too. The new Active trim adds an SUV spin to Ford鈥檚 popular family car, with the visual transformation based on what is essentially a mid-range Zetec model. A choice of two petrol and two diesel engines are presented, while the Active setup is also available on the Focus Estate.

Standard equipment highlights taken from the Zetec include cruise control with a speed limiter function, lane keep assist, automatic headlights, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. As well as a mock-off-road makeover, the Active builds on mid-spec Zetec trim by adding navigation, voice control, a 4.2-inch driver information display embedded in the instrument panel, and keyless start. An Active X model loaded with almost every optional extra is also offered. Adding off-road appeal to regular family members is not something new in the car industry - think Skoda with its Scout cars, Audi with its Allroads and, of course, the numerous Cross Country Volvos we鈥檝e seen through the years. To give it its dues, though, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is a supremely refined three-cylinder unit, being very quiet not only at a cruise, but also through the gears during hard acceleration. The Focus Active drives almost exactly the same as the regular Focus, save for an extra bit of body roll and fidget thanks to the taller, unique suspension tune.

The fundamental sweetness of the Focus鈥?chassis setup is still there to be exploited, and the additional bits of spring and tyre mean the Active boasts a slightly more supple ride than the rest of the Focus field. Not only is this a decent car to hustle cross-country, it鈥檚 also a superbly comfortable one for long-distance motorway slogs. The steering and the manual gearbox, meanwhile, are pleasant and effortless to use. One thing the 30mm ride increase doesn鈥檛 result in, though, is a tall, commanding driving position - something many prospective crossover buyers no doubt crave. It hardly feels different to the regular Focus from behind the wheel, so if a compact crossover is on your shopping list mainly for this reason, the Focus Active isn鈥檛 going to cut it. Underlying its true position as a slightly taller hatchback rather than a true SUV is the drivetrain. All-wheel-drive isn鈥檛 available, and every Focus Active is front-wheel drive, albeit with a couple of off-road driving modes, tailoring the traction control for slippery and soft, soggy surfaces. Dirt trails shouldn鈥檛 be an issue, but it likely won鈥檛 venture as far off the beaten track as a compact SUV equipped with a proper all-wheel drive system might. Starting from 拢21,900, the Focus Active commands a premium of 拢2,250 over the regular Focus in Zetec trim, but you do get extra equipment, as well as those revised looks and suspension. More interestingly, that 拢21,900 starting price looks very tempting compared to the regular C-segment crossover field.

Built as a replacement for the CL63 AMG, the S63 AMG Coupe gets its power from the same 577bhp 5.5-litre twin-turbo found in its saloon sibling, developing 900Nm of torque. Official pricing has yet to be confirmed, although the S63 AMG will become the most expensive model in the line-up, priced at around 拢110,000. The new Subaru Outback won鈥檛 arrive in the UK until early 2015, and will debut at the New York Motor Show in US specifications, before going on sale in America this summer. Subaru is promising its flagship crossover will blend 鈥渃ar-like handling and SUV capability,鈥?although we鈥檒l have to wait and see as there鈥檚 no official word regarding what engines and trim levels will be offered. Prices will also be announced nearer to launch, although expect the Outback to reach showrooms with a starting price of approximately 拢30,000. We can confirm the new Kia Sedona won鈥檛 be available in the UK, as it鈥檚 not even coming to Europe. It鈥檒l only be sold in the US, and will probably feature a 3.3-litre V6 GDi petrol engine with around 290bhp and 342Nm of torque, with a range of diesel CRDi engines also likely to be offered. In terms of design, the Korean manufacturer has focused on standing out from the opposition. We鈥檒l have to wait for the full reveal to know for certain, but the mid-size MPV does feature a gaping front grille that feeds into sweeping headlights. It鈥檚 probably a bit early for a full reveal of the all-new Mazda MX-5, although there are rumours Mazda has something lined-up for New York that concerns the 2015 roadster. We suspect this could mean a chassis display, featuring a range of the technology likely to underpin the upcoming fourth-generation MX-5. Thats all for now. I'll keep you updated about future events.