Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ford Focus test mule spotted before 2018 debut

Bigger, more upmarket fourth-gen Ford Focus will arrive in two years time to take on the Vauxhall Astra

As we reveal our exclusive look at the next Ford Fiesta, spy images of a test mule for the next Focus hatchback have also emerged. The all-new Vauxhall Astra rival is set to to arrive on the scene in 2018.

Best hatchbacks to buy right now

The knock-on effect of the Fiesta supermini's move upmarket is that the Focus, currently criticised for its relative space shortage compared to newer rivals, will grown in size. Although these images show a makeshift body of the current car, the chunkier arches and altered panels prove exterior dimensions will swell.

Expect a modest increase in the wheelbase to allow the Focus to catch up with the Astra and VW Golf for legroom, while the current car's small boot should grow significantly. We will also see Ford's latest 'SYNC 3' infotainment system, and a greater emphasis on quality materials.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The next Focus will also get revised versions of Ford's EcoBoost petrol engines, but the brand remains committed to diesel technology, too. It recently applied to register a patent for the name 'EcoBlue', which is tipped to be a badge for a new line-up of lean diesel tech. 

Elsewhere, the other model in Ford's small car line-up will be a replacement for the EcoSport small SUV. Ford sources say the brand is happy with how the revised version of the car has been selling in Britain, but it's still likely to get a fairly early replacement, perhaps in 2018. This model will bring greater refinement and interior quality on a par with the new Fiesta's.

Are you looking forward to the new Ford Focus? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best Ford cars: our favourite new Fords and all-time greats
Best Ford Cars - header

Best Ford cars: our favourite new Fords and all-time greats

Want to know which new Fords are worth your attention when you head to the showroom? Read on to find out
Best cars & vans
12 Mar 2025
Best crossover cars to buy 2025
Best crossover cars - header image

Best crossover cars to buy 2025

Blending small-car costs with a little SUV muscle, these are the best crossovers on the market
Best cars & vans
10 Mar 2025
Goodbye Ford Focus: the end is nigh for family hatch legend after nearly 30 years
Ford Focus - front cornering

Goodbye Ford Focus: the end is nigh for family hatch legend after nearly 30 years

Ford’s family hatchback favourite is being axed as the brand focuses its efforts on EVs
News
7 Mar 2025
Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2025
Best hatchbacks - header

Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2025

We’ve selected our top 10 best family hatchbacks so you don’t have to
Best cars & vans
25 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025