After three months, it's time to say farewell to our long termer, the Ford Focus Active,
and so here are our collective thoughts, the good and the not so good about Ford's small
car, crossover, hatchback.
What did we agree we're calling this?
Priced from $30,490 plus on-road costs, the well-equipped Ford Focus Active offers good
value for money.
In the same way the Focus ST stands apart for its performance credentials, the Ford
Focus Active chases the crossover market with slightly more ground clearance, multiple drive
modes and a more rugged looking exterior.
We racked up around 7000 kilometres behind the wheel of the front wheel drive Focus Active
and in our discussions, two words kept popping up, sensible and practical.
Typically, Ford.
From the get-go, the team praised the German-made Focus's peppy three cylinder turbo petrol
engine.
Capable, nimble, easy, they're all words we used to describe how it feels to drive the
Ford Focus Active, and while it might not be dynamically rewarding, it's certainly a
nice drive, and it feels really refined.
In addition to a slightly raised ride height, the Focus Active adds two new drive modes
to its credentials, slippery and trail, and it will regulate wheel spin and grip accordingly
and off-roader however?
It is not.
It is however economical.
Around town with short sharp bursts, we were recording average fuel consumption of around
seven to 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
We got as low as six litres per 100 kilometres on a long interstate trip, and at the end
of our time with the Focus Active, we recorded a very respectable 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Overall, the Focus Active has proved itself a really capable car, that's easy to live
with, and that jacked up ride height makes it just a little bit more practical than your
average hatchback.
Inside however, there was this thing, Ford's rotary e-shifter.
Some of us found it ergonomically awkward, while others were fine with it, but we were
unanimous in our thoughts that it was frustratingly slow to respond, it's well-intentioned, but
poorly executed.
So we moved to safety and driver assist technology, which is another strong point.
Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning,
lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
A 180 degree split view rear camera.
Keyless entry and push button start, they're all standard.
On the topic of practicality, inside you'll find really good cabin storage, great stuff
for augments, phone, here, all important coffee cups, and there's two cup holders there that
are just front and center, easy to access, another spot here.
Then, a small storage in here, and we've got another charge point as well.
As you can see, the second row has plenty of room, look how much legroom there is here,
so it's absolutely perfect for three kids, if it was adults, I'd say it's probably two
people is a better scenario.
We've got a 12-volt outlet there, but you won't find a USB point, but if you're totally
desperate, you can access the one that's in the front console from here.
We've got seat-back pockets, we don't have an arm rest, so we don't have any cup holders
or drink holders, but you can fit them in the door.
It's pretty comfy overall.
The Active's interior design is very conservative and lacks the visual appeal of many rivals
that alone may see buyers favour six-year competitors like the Mazda 3.
Technology is again good, Ford's sync three infotainment interface performs through an
eight inch touchscreen that looks a little dated, but it works well nonetheless.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, digital radio, wireless
charging, they're all standard.
And the sound from the six-speaker audio system, it's not bad either.
The boot will easily handle a family load of suitcases, prams and the like, and if you
need to load larger items, fold the seats flat.
The Focus Active builds on the strong proven credentials of several generations of accomplished
be-rival hatchbacks.
While it's marketing proposition and lack of direct rivals could prove confusing for
many, the truth is, none of that really matters, what does matter is that the Focus Active
is a solid, good value vehicle that's a little different from other small hatchbacks.
It impressed the team with it's sensible, practical and very liveable character, even
if it's not available in wagon form.
From the outset, we had high hopes for the Ford Focus Active, driving enthusiasts will
love the Focus ST Hot Hatch, but for everyone else, the Active could well be the best Focus
ever.