Updated Ford Focus gets SYNC 4 infotainment system

• Styling tweaks
• Upgraded interior technology including Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment
• Available to order now priced from £22,465

The new 2021 Ford Focus has been revealed with an updated exterior design, upgraded technology, including the brand’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system, and improved safety features. Buyers can order the new Focus now for a starting price of £22,465. 

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While the majority of the existing Focus lineup and engines are carried over for the new model, the midlife facelift has introduced an optional Vignale trim package as a replacement for the standalone model, which can be chosen on higher trim levels. At the top of the range, there’s an updated version of the Focus ST hot hatchback, with the Active, ST-Line, Titanium and entry-level Trend trim making up the remainder of the lineup. 

Ford will be hoping the update keeps the Focus competitive against rivals such as the SEAT Leon, VW Golf and all-new versions of the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra.

2021 Ford Focus: design 

The revised front end design sees the new Focus getting similar styling to the facelifted Fiesta, with Ford’s blue oval badge now located on the front grille. A new LED headlight design features across the range, with a slimmer profile than before and a new daytime running light signature. The front bumper has also been tweaked to have larger air intakes.

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Ford has left the side profile of the car untouched but has introduced five new alloy wheel designs. At the rear, the optional LED tail lights get a tinted finish and a fresh running light design. 

Interior and technology 

While a majority of the interior is carried over from the old car, a new 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC 4 operating system is an important addition. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is used to control the car’s ventilation systems; the physical controls have now been removed from the dashboard.

The SYNC 4 system comes with a trial subscription to Ford’s Connected Navigation, giving access to live traffic and weather updates. Ford’s ‘Power-Up’ software updates are also standard, allowing upgrades to the car’s features.

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Other technology upgrades include advanced speech recognition, which can be used by the driver to operate both the infotainment and ventilation systems. Remote connectivity features include the FordPass app, which allows owners to check on their cars fuel level from their smartphone. The system also has an intruder alert notification, alerting the owner if it detects an attempt to break into the car. 

Practicality has also been boosted in the new Focus Estate, which now gets easier to clean boot carpet, LED lighting and a vertical divider fitted to the boot floor. It also gets what Ford calls a ‘wet zone,’ which allows owners to separate any damp items from the main boot floor. It features a removable lining to make it easier to dry and clean.  

Safety 

Standard safety features include active emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, speed sign recognition and lane centering assist. While the Local Hazard Information system monitors the cars location and automatically warns the driver of potential hazards on a route. Ford’s Active Park 2 setup also features, which can automatically park the car by talking over controls. 

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The model’s existing safety suite has also been bolstered with the addition of Blind Spot Assist for the first time, which monitors surrounding traffic, automatically applying steering assistance if a hazard is detected when changing lanes. The system scans for hazards up to 28 metres away and operates from 40mph upwards. Other new features include Intersection Assist, which uses a front mounted camera and radar to scan for oncoming vehicles. It operates at speeds of up to 18mph, and can automatically apply the brakes to bring the car to a halt if a hazard is detected. 

Elsewhere, the new Focus gets rear occupant alert, which notifies the driver to check the rear seats at the end of a journey or if the rear doors are opened. 

Trim levels and prices

The revised lineup kicks off with the Trend model, starting from £22,465, with the Titanium costing £23,715. Both the ST-Line and Active trims start from £24,545, while adding the Vignale pack to the top three trim levels adds £2,200 to the base price. At the top of the range, the Focus ST hot hatchback starts from £33,885. 

Engines and fuel economy 

The facelifted Focus carries over the engine range from the old model. The entry-level 1.0-litre petrol does without mild-hybrid technology and is available in both 99bhp and 123bhp power outputs. Both versions can officially return fuel economy of up to 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions starting from 121g/km. 

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A version of the same 1.0-litre petrol engine is also offered with 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical assistance consisting of a starter/generator that helps take load off the engine. It’s available with 123bhp or 153bhp, returning economy of up to 51.4mpg with emissions starting from 116g/km with a six-speed manual gearbox. This engine is also available with a seven-speed Powershift automatic gearbox. This adds three driving modes, ranging from Normal, Sport and Eco, and can manage up to 47.9mph with CO2 emissions of 119g/km. 

The economy champion of the range is the sole 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel, which produces 118bhp. It is available exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, officially returning fuel economy of up to 56.5mpg and emissions starting from 120g/km

Facelifted 2021 Ford Focus ST

The flagship Focus ST also receives all of the safety and technology upgrades from the regular car, alongside the same styling makeover. Model specific changes include a new optional ‘Mean Green’ paint finish, a honeycomb front grille design, satin grey contrasting trim pieces and new alloy wheel designs in either 18 or 19-inch sizes. Inside, a new pair of Ford Performance sports seats replace the Recaro seats in the outgoing model. 

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Under the bonnet is the same turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine with a power output of 278bhp. Buyers get a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed Powershift automatic, with an electronic limited-slip differential fitted to help prevent wheelspin and traction. Prices for the new ST start from £33,885. 

Read our reviews of the current Ford Focus and the Focus ST here.