compact - hatch, cross-trek, wagon
Sure it has quite a following, but really why push this through when you could just switch to CUV's like your competitors.
With Ford reconsidering the Fiesta and Taurus it seems odd to us that they would push through on the all new Focus. But with an ever changing market that loves CUV's the Focus still manages to make an impact at the compact hatch/sedan marketplace. Sure it's Escape sibling is increasing in sales at the expense of it, but it still manages to take on more market share from its competitors. Where the Dart failed and the Cruze and Sentra are narrowly escaping, the Focus is going strong. So we guess that's why Ford has decided to keep it. Well that and they have other parts of the world and and a cult following that can help prop it up.
All around the new Focus is one decent looking compact with it's use of blackout and chrome features. Sure it's odd to see a premium version of a compact hatch, but in some markets that's required. The wagon is a nice feature for those who don't want to give into the CUV craze and with the added Active model the Focus lineup is now complete. The only thing missing from this display was the sedan model, which we know is on the way. As American's don't like wagons and will still purchase a sedan model. But will we get an all new sedan or just a revised front end added to the updated Escort model from China. Only time will tell on that part.
We were not surprised when we saw the new Active model, as it seems that Ford is going after this downgraded CUV market with other products. This was seen with the all new Ka+ and the previous Fiesta Active. It seemed like it was only time before Ford would add this to the Focus line. But we don't see this model being added to the Fusion/Mondeo lineup any time soon. Well at least not the sedan model as this could be a possibility for the next Mondeo Wagon. We have seen an increase in Cross-Trek/Trekking models from many other nameplates in recent years, so it was only a matter of time before Ford caught onto this craze. Lets just hope that this will make it to our shores as well, as we know of a few good back roads in Canada which could really use this model.
As the CUV craze keeps moving on, it seems that some of the lower car models will eventually fall. Let's hope that Ford can keep the Focus from falling off the map as we prefer to have a Focus RS than a Escape RS. Of course an Escape RS would be cool as well, but we will leave the RS nameplate to the cars and add on the Raptor or Storm nameplates to the CUV's. Keep up the good work Ford and we look forward to seeing some special editions soon.
Everett J. AutoLooks.net, #AutoLooks, @AutoLooks
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