The wraps have come off the 2018 Ford Focus, and with lower list prices, more efficient engines with lower CO2 emissions, it looks like user-choosers will be able to benefit from lower BIK rates, too.
Prices for the new car were announced at a glitzy launch in London, and have been confirmed with a starting price of £17,930 for the entry-level Focus Style. This represents a saving of £2,300 over the model it replaces.
These savings lessen further up the range, with the Focus Zetec and ST-Line – together representing 55% of sales – now £850 and £250 less respectively. Full P11D and BIK figures will be announced by Ford shorty. Currently, a Focus 1.0T Ecoboost in Style trim has a BIK value of £17,990, attracting an 18% BIK rate.
Why Ford is aiming for number one with the new 2018 Focus
Ford is aggressively targeting number one status in the mid-sized hatchback market, which it lost to the Volkswagen Golf in 2017. According to a Ford spokesman at the launch, the anticipated split between retail and fleet sales is around 50-50%.
It says that it’s aiming the Focus Mk4 at user-choosers who are also keen drivers, and is making great play of the new car’s dynamic prowess. So, expect sharp steering and neat and tidy handling – traditional hallmarks of this car.
The Style model, which is aimed at fleet and company car user-choosers, comes with a keen entry price, although engine options are limited to the less powerful ones in the line-up – good for your BIK rates.
What does the Focus Style come with?
Ford’s latest Sync3 infotainment system, with 8.0-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. The Focus also introduces the brand’s new FordPass Connect system that includes a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices and live map updates.
It also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth and Emergency Assist, an electronic parking brake, autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure monitoring, hill-start assist and lane-keeping aid.
There are seven variants in the new Focus range. Starting with Style (at £17,930), you move up the models through Zetec (£19,300), ST-Line (£21,570), ST-Line X (£24,050), Titanium (£21,550), Titanium X (£22,820) and Vignale (£25,450).
The order book opens shortly, with first UK deliveries expected in September 2018.
