Drivin' in Czechia
All you need to drive smart in the Czech Republic
The Ford Focus was once among the brand’s best-selling models on the European market. It also earned a reputation as the best-driving compact car, not only in its ultimate performance versions like the Focus ST and RS. Despite its successful history, Ford discontinued the model, and production for the European market is set to end this year – the Saarlouis plant will cease production in November. However, Ford’s plans are changing, and it seems the Focus might return after all.
The British magazine Autocar has reported that Ford is planning to launch a compact crossover about the size of the Focus, which would serve as an indirect replacement for the model that was last offered in Europe as a hatchback and estate. Ford believes there’s enough market space for the new model, which would be sold alongside the smaller Puma and the compact Kuga.
Which name will be used?
It’s still uncertain whether the new car will retain the name Focus or be renamed. Recently, Ford registered several new model names – Fuze, Mythic, and Hive – which could appear on future vehicles. A revival of historic names like Zephyr, Orion, Granada, or Cortina hasn’t been ruled out either.
The new model is expected to hit the market in 2027 and will be built at the Spanish plant in Valencia, alongside the Kuga. The Saarlouis factory will be shut down once current Focus production ends. Ford clearly has strong faith in the vehicle, as the Valencia facility has an annual capacity of up to 300,000 units.
Multi-energy platform
The upcoming “Focus Cross” will be quite similar to the Kuga, both in terms of dimensions and technology. Like the Kuga, the new model will rely on a multi-energy strategy, offering various forms of electrification. The new Focus is expected to be available as a mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. A version with a range extender is also being considered. This strategy signals that Ford has moved away from its earlier plan to sell only electric vehicles in Europe in the near future. Company executives now admit that such ambitions were overly optimistic and based on expectations of stronger demand for EVs.
However, this also presents Ford with the challenge of making the new model clearly distinct from the similarly sized Kuga and the Explorer, which is offered exclusively as an electric vehicle. Design-wise, the new crossover is likely to draw inspiration from the Explorer’s American-style design, which has proven successful. Ford intends to present itself fully as an American brand on the European market, which will be reflected in the styling of its vehicles.
The planned arrival of a Focus-sized crossover suggests that Ford’s current strategy hasn’t been very successful. The American carmaker has already dropped several once-popular models in Europe – including the Focus, Mondeo, and the small Fiesta – in favor of crossovers, SUVs, vans, and electric vehicles. However, the company now lacks affordable cars, and its market share in Europe is declining.
The company’s leadership seems aware of this. Ford’s Executive Chairman, Bill Ford, told Autocar: “On the passenger car side, we realize we’re not as strong as we need to be. But we’re working on our future strategy now. And I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what’s coming.”
Perhaps this means that the Fiesta could return alongside the Focus. Rumors about that are already starting to circulate.
