2018 Ford Focus Australian specification revealed

Ford’s all-new Focus hatch and wagons will go on sale in Australia from November, with the hatch available across three model grades.

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For the first time, Ford will offer a Focus ST-Line in Australia, for customers wanting a sportier look without the more focussed dynamics.

Built on the new ‘C2’ platform, Ford claims the new Focus has a 20 percent increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous generation for improved ride and handling.

Filling out the local line-up is the entry-level Trend hatch, ST-Line hatch and wagon, and flagship Titanium hatch.

The Focus Trend hatch will roll on 16-inch alloy wheels, while inside the cabin Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system is operated through a full-colour eight-inch touchscreen.

The ST-Line replaces the old Sport variant and is the only model grade to feature hatch and wagon versions. It’s distinguishable from Trend and Titanium thanks to its athletic styling which includes a honeycomb grill, side skirts, and a rear bumper which is capped with a chrome finished twin-exhausts. Adding more visual spice is an integrated boot-lid spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels, while dynamics are more focused with a unique sports suspension tune.

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Inside, drivers are treated to a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, with red stitching throughout the cabin.

At the top of the Focus family will be the Titanium, which is distinguished by unique front grille and body styling with 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Titanium is fitted with Ford’s new LED lighting pack, with illuminates more of the road with a broader beam of light, and has projector headlights capable of glare-free high beam, speed sensitive light modes, sign-based light modes, and camera-based dynamic bending.

In addition to the standard safety features, the Titanium gains rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, evasive steer assist, and lane centring.

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Inside the cabin, the Titanium adds leather upholstery, and a 675-watt 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Autonomous emergency braking is standard on all Focus variants, along with night-time pedestrian detection and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.

Post-impact braking is also included in the safety suite, which is designed to apply the brakes after a collision to reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling into another car and causing a second incident.

Each Focus variant will be sourced from Germany and will all be powered by the new 134kW/240Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

The low-capacity engine will be paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, which should placate buyers who are nervous following the ongoing PowerShift scandal which has plagued the current-generation Focus and Fiesta.

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Ford will offer Focus buyers in Australia a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty as standard.