2019 Ford Focus release date, specs news: First official image of fourth-gen compact car released
Ford recently released the first official image of the 2019 Focus ahead of its expected debut next year. The fourth-generation compact car is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2018.
Ford's U.K. division released the promotional photo as part of the automaker's Christmas greeting. The teaser does not reveal much as the 2019 Ford Focus still bears multicolored camouflage with the hashtag "#TimeToFocus" written on the driver side of the vehicle — similar to the prototype that was previously spotted testing on public roads.
Despite not being revealed completely, reports noted that the vehicle featured in the photo is already close to production form. This seemingly implies that the upcoming vehicle's official debut is just around the corner.
Ford has not announced launch details yet, but with the release of the 2019 Focus earmarked for next spring, the vehicle could break cover as early as January 2018 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Rather than having a new design language, the 2019 Ford Focus will follow an evolutionary path and adopt a more streamlined design. This is the same strategy that was used on the new Ford Fiesta.
The fourth-generation compact car will still be similar to the outgoing model — except it will benefit from a longer wheelbase, upgraded equipment and increased aerodynamic efficiency.
Some of the changes include a taller and straighter grille, LED headlights and taillights and angular fog lamps in the front fascia. Because of an elongated wheelbase, the 2019 Ford Focus will have a more spacious cabin and cargo space. The interior is also said to have the latest SYNC3 infotainment system and the cabin's surfaces will reportedly use more premium materials.
The 2019 Ford Focus will be offered in several trims such as Active, ST-Line and Vignale. The cheaper editions will be dropped in order to make the fourth-generation compact car a more premium offering.
The 2019 Ford Focus will be manufactured at the automaker's Changan facility in Chongqing, China. The U.S. models will be imported from there and assembled at Ford's assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan.
