The Ford Focus MK4 (2019 onwards) is a very different hatchback to its predecessor but it is built upon the same principles which made it such a hit in previous generations of the Ford Focus lineup.
The Ford Focus hatchback was relaunched in 2019 with a sleek new look and a host of new features.
The Ford models you prefer, the Ford Focus 2018 or the Ford Focus 2019, may well come down to which styling you prefer. The choice will depend on what you demand of a car and your budget. Before making a choice on whether you should buy a used or new Ford Focus, it’s useful to fully understand the differences between these two compact cars in a Ford Focus lineup which has been a bestseller for over 20 years.
In this guide:
Find out more about the differences between the exterior features of the 2018 and 2019 versions of the Ford Focus.
Learn more about the key changes in interior features between the Ford Focus 2018 and 2019 models.
Find out more about the engine options available when you buy a 2018 or 2019 Ford Focus.
Learn more about how to choose the best Ford Focus model for your needs.
Focus 2018 vs Focus 2019: Exterior features
Both the third generation (2018) and fourth generation (2019) Ford Focus hatchbacks are available in five-door and estate versions and they are both popular family cars with hot hatch variants.
The MK4 Ford Focus has a longer wheelbase than the MK3 and sits lower than previous Focus hatchback models. This helps to create a new, sportier feel to the car.
The 2019 Ford Focus has a more sculpted look than the 2018 variant. It has a completely redesigned grille which is more rounded than the hexagonal feature of the previous incarnation. LED headlamps were added to the 2019 relaunch and it’s new front lights have been reshaped.
One of the major differences between the 2018 and 2019 models is at the rear of the car. The new version features wider spaced Focus branding and a larger diffuser. The 2018 rear is higher riding than the 2019 model which lowers itself into a wider end.
Focus 2018 vs Focus 2019: Interior features
Ford tweaked the interior on the third-generation model to offer a more prestige feel in the 2018 Ford Focus.
Interior specs
A silver trim accentuates the dashboard and the centre console within the 2018 version of the car. An entry trim level in the 2018 Ford Focus models are provided with:
- Air conditioning
- Electric front windows and wing mirrors
- Tyre monitoring system
Other models are also available with:
- Heated front seats
- Leather heated steering wheel
Stepping up to a 2018 Ford Focus Zetec adds:
- Heated front windscreen
- Alloy wheels
- Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system
The 2019 Ford Focus comes with a full colour, eight-inch, head-up display screen offered on all trim levels. You also get a SYNC infotainment touchscreen and a wireless charging facility.
There are seven trim levels on the 2019 Ford Focus. Each neatly distinguishes itself from the rest with design tweaks and interior theming.
From the entry-level 2019 Focus Zetec, and across the range, models are provided with:
- Air conditioning
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto connectivity
- DAB radio
- Bluetooth
- Cruise control
- Auto headlights
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assistance
Boot space
In the boot of a 2018 Ford Focus, you will find 316 litres of space. There’s plenty of clever storage facilities too. There’s plenty of room in the rear of a 2018 Ford Focus too, certainly sufficient space to seat two adults comfortably in the back.
As you would expect, the 2019 revamped Ford Focus offers the most well-designed interior to feature in this line of models. The design of the 2019 Ford Focus borrowed heavily from the new Ford Fiesta which launched just before to bring the brand’s interior into line.
Interior space
The 2019 Ford Focus offers more room for driver and front seat passengers than the 2018 model which is a more compact car, thanks to its newly designed dashboard.
There is more space within the 2019 Ford Focus than the 2018 version. Rear seat leg room is a notable enhancement. One of the biggest discernible improvements in the 2019 model is that the floor is flat beneath the front seats and even a passenger in the rear centre seat can extend their legs comfortably. With this ingenuity, Ford pushed the Focus from matching its competitors to being best in class for space.
Ford also built on the practicality with the 2019 Ford Focus relaunch with a 375-litre boot which is more than the previous vehicle model.
2018 and 2019 Focus engines
The 2018 Ford Focus provides a 1.5-litre engine option which achieves 83bhp making it great for city driving but may not be suitable for those who complete a huge number of miles on the motorways. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol offers 123bhp and, step up to the 1.5-litre engine and you will enjoy 179bhp.
If you’re looking at a diesel 2018 Ford Focus vehicle, you have the choice of a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine and 2.0-litre options with the most powerful offering 182bhp.
The 2019 Ford Focus was fitted with a completely fresh set of engine options and come with a siz-speed gearbox across the range.
For those looking for a 2019 diesel Ford Focus, the options are a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder EcoBlue engine at either 94bhp or 118bhp. There’s also a 2.0-litre step up with 148bhp on the Focus ST and Titanium trim.
2019 petrol models are offered in 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine or a quick 1.5-litre version with 148 or 180bhp to choose from.
The bottom line: A 2018 or a 2019 Ford Focus?
The 2018 and 2019 Ford Focus models are both great Ford vehicles. Your choice will entirely depend on your needs. The 2018 variant will easily meet and exceed the expectations of most vehicle drivers.
The 2019 new Ford Focus simply steps this up a notch further to offer the very best Ford Focus model to date. A 2018 Ford Focus may be more cost effective but the decision on which to go for may simply come down to how much you want to spend.
To find out more about the used Ford Focus cars we have in stock, please click here, or contact your local dealership to find out more about our cars and deals.