2019 Ford Focus Official: More Tech, More Space

Ford has revealed the 2019 Focus, now in its tenth generation and packing more technology, a more spritely drivetrain, and more safety tech. Headed to Europe and China later this year, followed by a North American release in 2019, the new Focus will come in a number of body-styles.

That'll include a 4-door sedan, a 5-door wagon, and a 5-door hatchback. Each, Ford claims, was designed with the feedback of existing Focus fans in mind, and with the idea that, just because it may be a small car, that shouldn't mean it's lacking in tech or enthusiasm. Hence the 2019 Focus ST Line being among the first of the models Ford is revealing.

Outside, there's a design which Ford is describing as cab-rearward, the cabin having been pushed back and the hood extended. The idea is to visually increase the size of the car, even though the footprint itself is actually the same as the outgoing model. Inside, however, there's more space both for passengers and for cargo.

It also proved to be an opportunity for Ford to simplify the car – or, at least, the configurations in which the 2019 Focus will be offered. Previously, there were up to 360 ways the Focus could be set up; now, there'll be as few as 26, market depending. In the process, Ford is able to make better use of shared parts, and streamline its engine, electric system, and other components supply-chain.

The 2019 Focus will also bring Ford Co-Pilot360 to a smaller vehicle. Ford's suite of active driver assistance technologies, it includes things like adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality, Speed Sign Recognition, and lane-centering. There's adaptive front lighting, which can use cameras to figure out both where the road will turn and upcoming signs, so that they can be better illuminated.

Active Park Assist has been upgraded to support gear selection, acceleration, and braking, to pull into an empty space. Evasive Steering Assist, meanwhile, can help to guide the car around stopped or slower vehicles in the case of an ensuing collision.

It's not the only tech we've seen in more expensive cars, distilled down to a more affordable model. The 2019 Focus will have FordPass Connect, with an onboard cellular modem and WiFi hotspot support for up to ten devices. Its optional navigation system will use it to pull down Live Traffic updates, too, in addition to media streaming, remote vehicle location, unlock, and status checking, and remote start.

A wireless charging pad for smartphones will be on the options list, along with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. That can be had with an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dashboard itself has been streamlined, with an electric parking brake and rotary transmission selector to make more room for bins and buy holders. The center consoler is narrower, maximizing front seat space, and is now padded for more knee comfort.

In the back, the longer wheelbase adds up to more room. Shoulder space increases by almost 2.4-inches, knee clearance by almost 2-inches, and legroom by 2.8-inches. You get up to 58 cubic feet of cargo space in the 2019 Focus Wagon, with the rear seats folded, and there's a hands-free tailgate which opens the back when you kick your foot under the rear bumper. Ford says the cabin should cool down or heat up faster, too, courtesy of a new HVAC system.

Under the hood, China will get a 1.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine, and a 1.5-liter EcoBoost promising more low-end torque. Europe will add 1.5-liter EcoBoost gas and a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engines, too. An 8-speed automatic transmission will be optional. North America, meanwhile, will need to wait until closer to launch to find out its drivetrain options, mind.

So far, four different trim versions have been confirmed. Europe will get the upscale Focus Vignale, more sporting Focus ST-Line, outdoorsy Focus Active, and well-equipped Titanium. China, meanwhile, will get the ST-Line and Titanium. Again, we'll know more about the US car and its trims closer to the 2019 release.