Test: Ford Focus Vignale 1.5 EcoBoost 150 HP Automatic

The fourth-generation Ford Focus arrived 20 years after the original model replaced the Ford Escort in 1998. This review examines the five-door Focus in its luxurious Vignale trim, powered by the 150 HP 1.5 EcoBoost petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior design and Vignale trim

Although its headlights and rear lights distinguish the newer generation, the car remains recognizable as a Focus. Ford offered several distinct trim styles: the sporty ST-Line, the more rugged Active and the elegance-focused Vignale tested here.

The five-door model measures 4,378 mm long, 1,825 mm wide excluding mirrors and 1,471 mm high, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. The longer wheelbase is especially beneficial for rear-seat space.

Vignale-specific details include a distinctive grille, abundant chrome trim, decorated air intakes, special wheels, bright window surrounds and Vignale badges. The simulated exhaust treatment in the rear bumper is less convincing because the visible outlets do not consistently correspond to the actual exhaust.

Interior quality and technology

The cabin has a clear instrument panel with a configurable information display and a head-up display that projects driving information onto a small transparent screen.

The infotainment screen is positioned high and close to the driver's line of sight. It offers improved graphics and operation compared with the preceding Focus, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The reversing camera remains easy to see at night.

Physical climate-control buttons make temperature adjustments straightforward. Materials and assembly quality are strong, with few unwanted noises. Vignale trim adds more elaborate finishes, while useful equipment includes wireless phone charging and an electronic parking brake.

Passenger and luggage space

The front seats accommodate a broad range of occupants and are accompanied by practical storage compartments. Rear passengers benefit substantially from the longer wheelbase, with generous legroom and good headroom. Four adults slightly taller than 1.80 metres can travel comfortably, although a fifth passenger reduces comfort.

The rear center backrest incorporates an armrest, cupholders and a pass-through for long, narrow items. The absence of rear air vents and USB ports is disappointing in a high-specification version, but the transmission tunnel is not excessively intrusive.

The five-door Focus provides 375 litres of luggage capacity, expanding to 1,354 litres with its rear seats folded. The estate version was quoted with 608 litres.

Engine and transmission

The three-cylinder engine is notably refined, with little vibration or intrusive mechanical noise. Its cylinder-deactivation system shuts down the central cylinder under light loads and operates without drawing attention to itself.

Power delivery is smooth and linear rather than dramatic. The automatic transmission emphasizes refinement: shifts are smooth, but it is not especially fast. Steering-wheel paddles provide manual control, although the drivetrain is better suited to relaxed driving than sporting use. In the tested car, selecting reverse after drive, or drive after reverse, produced a noticeable delay.

Ride and handling

The adaptive suspension filters road imperfections effectively in its standard setting. Comfort mode softens the ride further, while Sport mode sharpens accelerator response, adds steering weight, selects lower gears and firms the dampers.

The chassis remains agile and composed through bends, but the Vignale's character is most naturally matched to Normal or Comfort mode. Double-glazed front side windows improve sound insulation. On the motorway, the Focus feels stable and substantial, with the poise and refinement of a larger car.

Fuel consumption and price

During the test, motorway consumption at approximately 120 km/h was about 6.5 l/100 km. Overall average consumption was 7.2 l/100 km.

The tested vehicle was priced at approximately €27,000 through the manufacturer's configurator at the time of the review. That reflected its 150 HP engine, automatic transmission, top-level Vignale specification and numerous options.

Verdict

The Ford Focus Vignale combines generous passenger space, a refined engine, strong road manners and high cruising comfort. Its principal shortcomings are the automatic transmission's slow response when changing direction, fuel consumption that could be lower and an engine character that prioritizes smoothness over excitement.

Drivers seeking luxury and comfort are likely to find the Vignale the most suitable version, while the ST-Line and Active trims provide sportier and more adventurous alternatives.