2019 Ford Focus Takes Global Stage, But Won’t Come To The U.S.

After eight years in production, the 2019 Ford Focus will replace the current-generation model.

Did you know that there’s only been three generations of the Ford Focus since it debuted 20 years ago? On the whole, new models are unveiled every four years or so. But not here. In fact, the first-generation Focus soldiered on with only minor changes for ten years. The second generation – at least the North American version, was more short-lived, lasting just three model years. Finally, the third (and current) generation has been around since 2011. That’s a pretty long time in car terms, especially as Ford seeks to improve the average showroom age of its lineup. Now, the 2019 Ford Focus is almost here, promising more space, more efficiency, and a better driving experience than the past three generations.

The company recently outlined its two-year product plan in Michigan. Conspicuously absent from that plan, however, was the all-new 2019 Ford Focus. In our current SUV and truck golden age, we weren’t exactly sure what would happen to the fourth-generation Focus. Now, we know North America will see a new Focus next year, after the global model goes on sale in Asia and Europe.

So what’s new about the 2019 Ford Focus? In short, pretty much everything. Ford claims to have spent hundreds of hours speaking with Focus customers around the world in developing this new model. The net result? A car that will be “tailored” to each major global market, depending on customers’ needs in that market. In Europe, Ford is unveiling a luxurious Focus Vignale – a sort of wagon – a new ST, an outdoor-themed “Active” model and a new Titanium line. In Asia, they’re just debuting the Titanium line and the ST versions of the Focus. It’s not immediately clear which model’s we’ll get, but we will get a new model in 2019. Update: No, we won’t.

2019 Ford Focus: New design elements

Odds are, we’ll get a new sedan and hatchback version of the Focus, including the ST. Ford will likely skip the wagon and Active versions in our market. In the main, we tend to go for crossovers at a much greater rate than wagons. At any rate, the 2019 Ford Focus promises some new design cues. For a start, there’s a longer hood, more interior space, and a more efficient, aerodynamic design. In an effort to cut costs and make life easier for their customers, Ford has also drastically cut the number of available configurations for the new Focus.

The 2019 Ford Focus will be the first model to debut Ford’s new CoPilot-360 safety suite, unveiled at an earlier “Ford Uncovered” event in Michigan. The suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and an adaptive front lighting system, among other standard features. As part of the company’s effort to embed WiFi technology into 90 percent of its lineup by 2020, the new Focus will also have internet connectivity on the move. Wireless charging will be available, as will Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, by way of an 8.0-inch touchscreen display.

More space, global powertrains

The 2019 Ford Focus has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model. As a result, shoulder room increases by 2.4 inches, while knee room goes up by 2.0 inches. Legroom, handily, increases by 2.8 inches.

In the Chinese market, where the Focus will launch later this year, there are two engine options. They’ll get the 1.0-liter or a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. Europeans don’t get the 1.0-liter engine, but they do get the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and the 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine. It’s not clear just yet which engines we’ll get – Ford will announce that information closer to launch.

As with body styles, pricing information isn’t available for North American models just yet. Still, now we know what the new Ford Focus looks like after it was teased earlier this month. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world reviews. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to TFL through our Patreon page. Thanks for watching!

While we wait for the 2019 Ford Focus to emerge, check out how the hottest current-generation Focus fared on our Hot or Not leaderboard.