The automotive industry has taken rather tentative steps when it comes to the so-called crossovers, prime examples being the Subaru XV, Citroen C3 Aircross and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, carrying the banner for the compact hatchback/SUV cross breed.
In some markets, Australian included, a crossover is defined as a hatchback with raised ride height and SUV-like styling. Now Ford has ‘crossed over’ with the Active being added to its Focus family.
This means the expanded Focus range starts at $25,990 for the Trend and tops out at $34,990 for the Titanium. The new Active slots in at $29,990.
So how much different from the entry-level Trend is it and is it worth the extra $4000 in price? For a start it’s based on the new bigger Ford Focus C2 platform offering more room inside for passengers and luggage.
The three-pot 1.5-litre turbo-petrol power, putting out 134 kW and 240 Nm, is more than a match for the four-cylinder opposition in performance, with the benefit of cutting to two-cylinder operation when low engine load allows.
Besides new bodywork, on the technology front, the Active adds wireless phone charging and dual-zone climate control, while advanced safety features and other hi-tech electronics are carried over from the former Focus.
STYLING
With increased ground clearance and under armour from protective bits and pieces, the hatchback assumes the role of a compact SUV, hence the crossover tag.
A body kit comprising new-look front and rear bumpers with lower ‘skid plate’ inserts and matt-black lower edge, which is shared with the side skirts and wheel-arches, and roof-rails, is augmented by 17-inch alloy wheels with higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres setting the Active apart from plainer Focus family members.
While the test vehicle wore the ever-popular white paintwork, there is prestige paint on offer, including unique Orange Glow for $650. There’s also an $1800 Design Package comprising 18-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights with cornering function and rear privacy glass.
INTERIOR
With Ford’s claim that the Active is built for adventure, standard seat trim includes embroidery and more rugged, versatile cloth to fit in with more textured cabin materials and surfaces.
Additional detailing includes Nordic Blue seat stitching also used on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors.
Dual-zone climate control is standard, while a narrower centre console, thanks to relocating switches and controls to the touchscreen, features soft knee pads for comfort.
INFOTAINMENT
Standard carryover technologies include keyless entry / start and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, DAB digital radio, two USB ports and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The EcoBoost 1.5-litre is a turbocharged three-cylinder that develops high torque at low revs for greater drivability. Particular attention has been paid to fuel efficiency under light engine loads, with Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation in a three-pot powerplant.
The motor is mated with an intelligent eight-speed torque-convertor automatic, with its quick and intuitive shifting. This identifies hard cornering and gradients, adjusting gearshifts to suit.
SAFETY
The Active carries over the advanced standard safety of the Focus range, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning, post-collision braking, speed-sign recognition and speed-limiter.
There are options, for example, a $1250 Driver Assistance Package including adaptive cruise control with stop / go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear AEB, plus lane centring and steering assist.
DRIVING
Despite having only three cylinders, the 1.5 litre engine performed with sparkle thanks to Ford’s EcoBoost technology. The only hiccup being the odd instance of the auto transmission being tardy in power take-up.
Oh, and the Active had a tendency to roll between shifting from ‘park’ and ‘drive’. Disconcerting, to say the least.
With cylinder deactivation when engine load allows, and automatic stop / start mode as standard, the Focus Active is claimed to come up with a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
The test car clocked up a surprisingly thirsty combination of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres running around town and 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.
If you like the clean-looking centre console with its rotary gear knob, a la Jaguar, you will be happy with this one, if you prefer a gear lever, there’s nothing here to change your mind.
Occupant comfort has pros and cons. Seating all round is flat and firm. Front seats have limited adjustment, however, there’s stacks of leg room in the back and head and shoulder space are good.
The test car was fitted with an optional panorama sunroof, incorporating a light-coloured cloth shade which kept out some of the sun’s glare but little of the heat. It’s a waste. Take my advice, pocket the $2000 rather than get fingers burnt.
The cargo area of 365 litres and up to 1344 litres with the rear seats folded, was impressive.
Forsaking the bitumen for something harder, the SUV-style taller stance and ‘protective clothing’ took care of the Active on gravel and over small obstacles without unsettling the compact crossover.
In line with any owner’s lust for adventure, in addition to three standard driving characteristics – Normal, Eco and Sport – offered in Focus, Active introduces Slippery and Trail Modes.
Slippery is designed to instil driver confidence on surfaces with reduced grip such as snow and ice, while Trail’s job is designed to help maintain momentum in soft going such as a sandy beach or powdery dirt road.
SUMMING UP
Rather than at the SUV end of the spectrum, if you consider the Ford Focus Active to be a high-riding compact hatchback in protective clothing, you won’t be disappointed.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Ford Focus Trend 1.5 automatic $25,990
Ford Focus ST-Line automatic $28,990
Ford Focus Active 1.5 Crossover automatic $29,990
Ford Focus ST-Line wagon automatic $30,990
Ford Focus Titanium 1.5 automatic $34,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Ford Focus Active 1.5-litre EcoBoost 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 8-speed automatic)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.497 litres
Configuration: Three cylinders
Maximum Power: 134 kW
Maximum Torque: 240 Nm
Fuel Type: Petrol 95 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 226 g/km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shift
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4397 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Width: 1844 mm
Height: 1483 mm
Turning Circle: 10.7 metres
Kerb Mass: 1348 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Solid disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
