Ford's next generation of Focus small car will be larger than the current model and based on an all-new platform that is very likely to boast improved pedestrian and occupant crash safety.
The spy pics shown here reveal that Ford is not straying too far from the look of the current Focus, but it's undeniably riding on new architecture for a longer wheelbase and wider track. It's anticipated that not only its growth, but also its style will bring the Focus closer to the mid-size Mondeo.
Expected to debut late 2017 or early next year, the Focus will likely have to wait for Ford's Thai factory to tool up for the new model before it can be introduced to the Australian market. On that basis, a local launch set down for mid-2018 date is not out of the question, and may in fact be even later in the year.
Ford is anticipated to carry over the existing engines – presumably with some tweaks – and there will be an ST variant. If the Focus continues to offer an RS model, it may take some time to reach the local market, as has been the case for the current car.