The Ford Focus was a permanent guest in the top ten of the German registration statistics for many years. In the meantime, he ranks outside the front places. That is not understandable. The Ford Focus Tournament Active 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid is richly equipped and shows agile handling in the test.
In view of the SUV and electric boom, the family station wagons in the compact class that were once in demand in Germany are increasingly becoming a marginal phenomenon. But there are still practical all-purpose weapons such as the Ford Focus Tournament, which has reached impressive maturity thanks to model maintenance measures that took place in spring 2022. With a powerful petrol engine and plenty of equipment, we experienced the compact classic as an almost perfect everyday car.
Externally, the fourth generation of the Focus, introduced in 2018, still looks fresh, which is also due to a few cheeky curves in the bodywork, which provide a sporty and elegant touch. This is probably one of the reasons why the designers have limited the facelift measures to small touch-ups and the modernization of the light optics. In our case, the tournament started in the Active X equipment variant, which also wants to exude a little SUV flair with a hint of underride protection, plastic frames for the wheel arches and a body that is three centimeters higher. Nevertheless, the pseudo crosser is perceived more as a classic compact station wagon, which with its almost 4.70 meter long body is already in touch with the middle class.
The renovated interior is up to date. Buttons are scarce here, instead many functions are controlled via buttons on the steering wheel or the infotainment touchscreen in widescreen format. The workplace looks a bit sober when it is so tidy, but a varied mix of largely chic materials still ensures a homely atmosphere. There is also plenty of practical storage space. One even supplies the smartphone with power wirelessly. Type A and C USB sockets are also available. The occupants enjoy a generous amount of space, the multi-adjustable ergonomic seat with AGR seal fits like a glove.
The gem in the cockpit is the 13.2-inch touchscreen, which primarily functions as a display and control unit for the Sync 4 infotainment system. This is characterized by fine graphics, intuitive menu navigation and fast response times. The new voice control almost always obeys every word and is no longer annoying with constant “I beg your pardon” questions. Of course, smartphones can be integrated via Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and the Focus is also networked.
The big plus at the tournament is the spacious rear. Legroom and headroom are generous in the back seat. The cardan tunnel is also flat, which is why rear passengers can even take a useful seating position in the middle of the back seat. Behind the tailgate, which opens electrically in our case, there is space for 635 liters of luggage, thanks to the rear seat backrest, which can be folded down in the classic way by remote unlocking, the volume can increase to 1653 liters in no time at all. The low loading sill and a boot floor that is flush with it make it easier to load heavy objects.
We were particularly impressed by a guide rail in the right trunk wall, thanks to which the cassette of the roller blind can be pulled out with a handle on a textile loop. This solution also makes it particularly easy to reinsert them. Also smart: When the side doors are opened, a movable rubber protection automatically nestles around the most exposed part of the door panel edge, which is intended to prevent damage to the paintwork in tight parking spaces.
Three cylinders, one liter displacement? What sounds like a lot of revs but little power is amazingly lively. After all, the turbo petrol engine releases 114 kW/155 hp, which thanks to mild hybrid technology also receives plenty of e-boost support. The sprint to 100 km/h can be managed in 9.1 seconds, with a maximum of 205 km/h. If revs are required, the engine sometimes sounds grumbling, which is typical for three cylinders, but otherwise the piston trio is acoustically elegant.
The petrol thirst was also restrained at 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers, which allows a radius of action of 800 kilometers with a full tank. In our case, the unit was linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, which makes changing gears pleasantly easy. However, the 7-speed automatic seems more attractive, although it costs 2000 euros extra.
The chassis also left a consistently positive impression, which – typically Focus – masters the balancing act of suitability for everyday use and agility pleasingly well. Despite the sometimes somewhat doughy steering, curves can be darted through with relish. This agility is not bought with sporty toughness, because when it comes to comfort, the Cologne car is pleasantly balanced. The compact station wagon knows how to impress, especially as a relaxed long-distance glider. Thanks to many assistance systems such as the finely adjustable distance cruise control, a head-up display and the intelligently illuminated matrix LED headlights with automatic high beam, you can get out of the car as a relaxed driver, even after long tours.
If you want to enjoy this degree of perfection, however, you have to invest heavily. Our Active X costs at least 36,000 euros with the powerful Ecoboost Hybrid. Then the Sync 4, digital instrument panel, inductive charging station and keyless entry and start system are already on board. Niceties such as matrix lights (1150 euros) and the ergonomic seat remain subject to a surcharge. In our case, there were a few more extras on board, which is why our test copy cost over 40,000 euros.
