JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6 | 2020
Ford takes active steps to cross over
Ŷ ALMOST AN SUV: Ford has joined the crossover crowd with the Focus Active. THE automotive industry has taken rather By DEREK OGDEN tentative steps when it comes to the so-called crossovers, prime examples being the Subaru inside for passengers and luggage. The three-pot 1.5-litre turbo-petrol powXV, Citroen C3 Aircross and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, carrying the banner for the compact er, putting out 134 kW and 240 Nm, is more than a match for the four-cylinder opposition hatchback/SUV cross breed. In some markets, Australian included, a in performance, with the benefit of cutting to crossover is defined as a hatchback with two-cylinder operation when low engine load raised ride height and SUV-like styling. Now allows. Besides new bodywork, on the technology Ford has ‘crossed over’ with the Active being front, the Active adds wireless phone chargadded to its Focus family. This means the expanded Focus range ing and dual-zone climate control, while adstarts at $25,990 for the Trend and tops out vanced safety features and other hi-tech elecat $34,990 for the Titanium. The new Active tronics are carried over from the former Focus. slots in at $29,990. So how much different from the entry-level STYLING With increased ground clearance and unTrend is it and is it worth the extra $4000 in price? For a start it’s based on the new bigger der armour from protective bits and pieces, Ford Focus C2 platform offering more room 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 em-
broidery 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.
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