Ford is launching the all-new Ford Focus Active crossover, which is designed to introduce “SUV-inspired versatility to the confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding all-new Focus driving experience”.

Available in spacious five-door hatchback and estate body styles, the Focus Active features raised ride-height and a bespoke chassis configuration to retain “class-leading Focus driving dynamics while delivering enhanced rough-road ability and a higher driving position for more confident urban and highway driving”.

Sophisticated powertrain options include Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, and Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines – combined with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

“Ford SUV sales grew more than 19 per cent in October year over year, and SUVs now account for more than one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe. Our Active family of crossover models offers a further compelling SUV-style option for customers,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service. Ford of Europe. “The all-new Focus Active does more than just look the part – its bespoke chassis and new Selectable Drive Mode options deliver genuine rough-road capability for families who want to explore off the beaten track.”

The Focus Active is the third in Ford’s new family of Active crossover models, following the introduction of the Fiesta Active and new KA+ Active models earlier this year.

For improved rough road ride and durability, 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres; 18-inch wheels with 215/50 R18 tyres are also available. In addition to the Normal, Sport and Eco Selectable Drive Modes equipped as standard for all Focus models, the Focus Active introduces:

• Slippery mode, which adjusts ESC and traction control settings for increased confidence on surfaces with reduced grip such as mud, snow and ice; reduces straight-ahead wheel spin, including when pulling away from stationary; and delivers a more passive throttle response
• Trail mode, which helps maintain momentum on soft surfaces such as sand; adjusts anti-lock braking to allow greater wheel slip; configures traction control to allow higher wheel spin that cleans sand, snow or mud from the tyres; and delivers a more passive throttle response

Externally, a dark grille with unique mesh pattern features a dark surround, echoed by the body style mouldings that flow from the front bumper lip, through the wheel arches and side profile to the rear.

Front and rear bumper designs are also unique to the Focus Active variant, as are silver-finish front and rear skid plates, and alloy wheel designs. Paint colours include new Metropolis White and Orange Glow, and customers can also opt for a contrast colour roof depending on body colour.

Manufactured at Ford’s Saarlouis assembly facility in Germany, the all-new Ford Focus Active crossover is available to order now for delivery from January 2019, in Active and Active X series, 5 door and estate models with prices starting from £21,900.