Interior and tech
The new car’s seats are supportive and comfortable, and a wide range of adjustment for the steering wheel’s reach and rake makes getting comfortable easy.
The new Focus is the first to receive Ford’s latest SYNC 2 technology with an 8-inch touch screen and voice recognition. This provides access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones on the go. The voice command actually works quite well and the system’s menus are easy to use. But the touchscreen itself is sometimes slow to respond and requires a heavy prod of the finger.
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Ford's latest Active Park Assist is available as an option – it controls steering to direct the car in to and out of perpendicular and parallel parking spaces. As far as self-parking systems go, it works well, but it did get a little confused when a low kerb was thrown into the equation.
On top of this is an optional rear-view camera (a must have if you opt for the estate) and Active City Stop. And though they cost £85, nifty door edge protectors will likely appeal to those with kids – they flip in and out automatically to protect paint.
