2018 Ford Focus seen in public with production bodywork

The next Ford Focus has been spotted testing with production bodywork, wheels and a finished interior, as engineers finalise development ahead of the car's anticipated launch in spring 2018.

The fourth-generation model can be seen wearing vibrant camouflaging and 'TimeToFocus' decals, no doubt forming part of Ford's marketing efforts to build excitement for its upcoming model.

Ford's Vauxhall Astra rival will follow the same evolutionary path as the recently unveiled Fiesta, using the brand's highly flexible global C-class platform. It will be a five-door hatch: Ford is keeping its development funds for making more SUVs, which European president Jim Farley believes are turning into “preferred family cars”.

The Focus programme’s similarity to the Fiesta’s is no surprise since the project is now under the management of Ford’s small-car guru, Darren Palmer, whose team recently delivered the new Fiesta, Ka+ and a dramatically improved Ecosport B-segment SUV.

The new Focus is unlikely to grow in length or width, but is tipped to have about 50mm more wheelbase to match its rivals for rear leg room. It will also deliver weight savings of around 50kg, model for model, although precise figures are still being calculated. Efficiency will be high on the agenda: Ford will undoubtedly improve on the current car’s aerodynamics. It will also launch a new all-electric version as one of one of a dozen electric cars promised last year by European chief Farley. The company has also been experimenting with hybrid models, already successful in its US line-up, but there are no sure signs yet of a Focus hybrid.

The Focus's engine range will depend heavily on the successful 1.0-litre Ecoboost three-cylinder petrol engine — available in 99, 123 and 138bhp versions — and is likely also to offer 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol units in several power outputs with up to 275bhp to drive its ST-line and 'full fat' ST versions. The staple diesel will again be the 1.5 TDCi, although a 2.0-litre diesel may still be offered for ST performance models. Ford is likely for the time being to stick with its the six-speed Powershift twin-clutch gearbox as the European automatic option. 

One certainty is that Ford will launch a high-riding Focus Active, along lines established by the recently revealed Fiesta Active, to take advantage of burgeoning demand for 'lifestyle' models. There will be several models: base cars will have a regular front-wheel-drive system, but there is likely to be an optional four-wheel drive utilising hardware from the existing Kuga SUV.

Suggestions that there would be no replacement for the current Focus RS appear wide of the mark: Ford sources suggest there may be “at least one more” version of the highly rated 165mph sports hatch in the company’s armoury. Ford chief Farley is known to be keen on such models, which he says do much to boost the image and desirability of the Ford range.

Inside, the new Focus will be more carefully packaged than ever, to offer enhanced passenger space in key areas even though it is no bigger externally. As shown below, the décor will be simpler and more stylish: the company’s designers privately admit they "over delivered” on dashboard complexity in the previous Fiesta and Focus cabins. The fascia, in particular, will be simpler and less claustrophobic, with more functions activated via a prominent central touch-screen.

The overall look, fit and finish has been previewed by the latest Fiesta, which has been noted for its vast improvements and quick-responding infotainment system. The car also comes available with a 10-speaker B&O Play soundsystem as part of its cabin entertainment armoury - expect a similar technical list in the Focus.

Ford is still deciding launch details for its fourth-generation Focus. It showed the third-generation model, earmarked for a 2011 launch, at the 2010 Detroit motor show at the beginning of that year, evidently to stress the car’s global credentials and pay homage to the firm’s hometown. However, the Focus is expected to land after the Geneva motor show in the late spring before sales commence later in the year.

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