Better Than An SUV? 2019 Ford Focus Active X Estate Review

Рет қаралды 106,818

Күн бұрын

Let’s face it. You cannot go down any road without seeing an SUV, and because of their popularity, even brands such as Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini are making such cars. However, this car proves you don’t need such a vehicle to fit in with the ‘lifestyle’ crowd.
It’s the Ford Focus Active, or the Active X to be precise. It’s the new rugged version of the Active that is available in both hatchback or estate versions, and as you can see here I have the estate. I genuinely believe, this is a more worthwhile car than an SUV, and I’m going to show you why.
The model seen in this video is fitted with the 1.5 litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which produces 150hp, with 240Nm of torque. This power is mated to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Full written review can be found here: carobsession.co.uk/single-post...
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Music Credit:
Audiobinger

Пікірлер: 110

@philipwilliams4656 5 жыл бұрын

Received My Focus Active X hatch, Metropolis White, 1.0 .. 125hp 6speed manual, on14/06/19 - took it straight on holiday, really impresses on motorway, twisty lanes and town driving, heads up display is great, I hardly ever looked down at the dials.. very happy.. well done Ford 👏

@dazheathcote2210 5 жыл бұрын

Phil we've got a FB group for Active owners, would be great for you to join and share your experiences of your new car. facebook.com/groups/2318918354993551/

@MLife1972 4 жыл бұрын

Great review with a slick, friendly presentation with a touch of humour. Hope to get an Active or ST-Line soon.

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark, thanks for watching, and thanks for the great feedback.

@rijden-nu 3 жыл бұрын

Also, many many thanks for your laid back but very informative review. I like that you're not one of these extremely slender types who make every car seem like you can have a cancan dance in them. I am a "bigger chap" myself, though my challenge is more in the horizontal dimensions so to speak, but I also have very wide shoulders. This makes almost every car in this segment feel like I'm watertreading in a rain barrel. Your review helped A LOT with my choice, so thank you very much.

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

No worries, I'm glad to be of some help! Hope you enjoy the car! 🙌🏽

@barryjones8008 5 жыл бұрын

Just ordered the hatchback 1lt 125hp after rejecting the suvs on space and economy. Wary of the sunroof, last one I had, in the '70,s, leaked everywhere.

@slapheadone1 5 жыл бұрын

Aaron great review, looks a lovely car, reflects the on going Ford refreshing model push. You mentioned the smooth underneath of the car. I have it on good authority that this is part of the EV R&D program. The EV comes out in 2020. So hopefully another review for you to do👍

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback John, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching.

@matthewfeast9775 3 жыл бұрын

Such a helpful review, thank you!

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

@garryhopkins 5 жыл бұрын

Metropolis White you asked? I recently took delivery of a Metropolis White Titanium hatch and I really like the colour.

@beatonthedonis 5 жыл бұрын

Comedy sketch shows, Oscar-winning horror movies, car reviews - Jordan Peele really is a master of all trades.

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Oi, are you trying to say I look like a 40 year old? How dare you! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Mind you, you did imply I was a master, so maybe it's not bad after all...🤔😂 Thanks for watching!

@tomdolan2606 5 жыл бұрын

Nice review,cheers mate!!

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom, thanks for the kind feedback - thanks for watching!

@dazheathcote2210 5 жыл бұрын

Went from a Kuga which cost too much to run to a sporty Giulietta. We've chosen the the Active X next as it's a good compromise on performance and economy and ground clearance. The Alfa grounds out on speed bumps and unadopted roads.

@johnharrison373 5 жыл бұрын

We had an Active X on the 48hr test drive. Fantastic car and would have bought one but unfortunately, circumstances changed. Test drove other cars that cost more money but the Ford was as good, if not better.

@lisaspoon 2 жыл бұрын

Great review- thanks! Have a focus at the moment but need more space... between the focus estate active X and mazda 6 estate...... can't decide.

@CarObsession 2 жыл бұрын

No problem, thanks for watching!

@davidellis1079 3 жыл бұрын

Good review, you've gained a subscriber!

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much David! Hope you enjoy the rest of my content.

@balalunga1 4 жыл бұрын

I think it should be offered with an awd. Especially as Ford already offers an awd system for the focus rs.

@melcanuck5951 5 жыл бұрын

17:30 ... I agree. IMO SUVs (for Europe) were pushed on consumers by manufacturers in the pursuance of profits.

@andreasm4263 3 жыл бұрын

I guess if you like to get use of the higher ride height even inside the car. You can also adjust the seat to a preferred position, at least that put you up a little, to get that feeling of a slightly higher ride. Me personally prefers a higher ride position but want to avoid SUVs. Which makes this car perfect

@CptSchmidt 4 жыл бұрын

I wish they sold the Focus estate (especially the Active model like this one) in North America. We only have the compact focus, which Ford has discontinued in Canada and the US starting 2020 :( I have a Subaru Outback but would have definitely considered one of these.

@danielleroux6490 3 жыл бұрын

Let's all do our part: call or write Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them what their American customers want. If we all contact them, maybe they'll realize it's a profitable business decision to bring the Focus 6 spd manual transmission to the US/North American market. Wouldn't hurt to ask for the Fiesta and/or the Puma 6 speed manual as well! Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48126 Ford U.S. Phone: 1-800-392-3673

@benjaminlutseng 4 жыл бұрын

I would still choose Kuga for the ST line

@AndrewKNI 5 жыл бұрын

Great review Aaron. The Focus Active looks better in metallic silver, blue or red. Perhaps the fightback against SUVs (which I have) has begun :-)

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Andrew, thanks for watching.

@stevejewiss532 5 жыл бұрын

I dunno ,I don't really see the point of these ' halfway house ' crossovers . Either buy a proper SUV or just get the estate . It looks better aswell and probably handles better and cheaper .

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

@@stevejewiss532 Hello Steve, thanks for watching. I can see where you're coming from, but not many people are on the lookout for a 'proper' SUV, they just want something to ferry kids about in, or to do the weekly shop. For me, a proper SUV is a car that will be used for its intended purpose, to go off-road or to be used for a lot of outdoor activities, cars like the Qashqai are for those who merely want a bigger car and a higher driving position - well in my opinion at least. But yes, one could simply buy the standard Focus estate and there's a good chance it will offer everything they may desire from a car. Given the choice between a crossover such as Qashqai or Sportage, or having this, I'd be taking the car with the blue oval perched on its nose.

@AndrewKNI 5 жыл бұрын

@@stevejewiss532 yes you make a good point. Next time I would be tempted by an estate.

@stevejewiss532 5 жыл бұрын

@@CarObsession yeah I do agree , I changed from an SUV to a ' normal ' hatch and it's much much better to drive and definitely has more space . I think people think because an SUV is big it has more space but that's not true with the Qashqai . It's just the impression of space I suppose . Anyway , I'm watching the Jimny video now , I'd love one , but the boots a bit small with kids lol.

@cliffhanger1979 5 жыл бұрын

Great review, its good to see a car that's not diesel for a change, as more cars seem to be swaying away from diesels. This is pretty much my car to collect in September apart mine is chrome blue with auto-boot release and convenience pack, other than that same engine and gearbox. Can't wait to get rid of my Honda.....

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Cliffhanger 79, I appreciate the positive feedback 👍- Thanks for watching. What Honda do you have at the moment?

@cliffhanger1979 5 жыл бұрын

I drive a Honda CRV 1.6D auto EX, had it 18 months now. Have a recurring problem with it that Honda says" its something they can't repair as they don't know what is causing it". Basically it loses power for a few seconds, happens once a week when I leave work... That and it does the most awful mpg and the leather seats are uncomfortable.....

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

@@cliffhanger1979 I found the leather seats in the CR-V comfortable, although I did find them slippery. Yeah, MPG isn't amazing, plus the CVT gearbox isn't great...

@cliffhanger1979 5 жыл бұрын

I find that the seats aren't very supportive, hardly any side bolstering and the lumbar seems non-existent. MPG is 30-35 and CVT box is ok but very slow when you need to pull away quickly and holds onto some gears. Should have driven it for longer when I test drove it; I managed to borrow a Focus Active with 1.0T auto box for two days so I got to drive to work and try it on the motorway, the 1.0T was ok but the 1.5T would be better as I am having an estate and carrying four people a few days a week.

@richroadin 4 жыл бұрын

Would you have picked this as a new family motor yourself now as competitive pcp deals are attractive 👍👍 great review

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

It's a nice car, but I'd personally want more performance, plus I'd rather avoid finance. I've had two cars on finance in the past and I wouldn't want to do it again unless really necessary. Thanks for watching.

@rayjennings3637 2 жыл бұрын

Torque-converter gearbox? Got to be worth a serious look. So much better than a dual clutch box and easier to drive in heavy traffic!

@musoseven8218 3 жыл бұрын

Great review, thank you, easy and fun to watch. Nice car, good review. Have Ford done the intelligent thing and equipped it with all weather/all season/cross climate type tyres? Also how does it compare to Eg a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander? Better to drive on the road?

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Muso, thanks for watching and thanks for the great feedback. You raise a very good point and no, Ford haven't. We'll, not at least to the car I tested; it was fitted with Hankook Ventus Prime 3.

@musoseven8218 3 жыл бұрын

@@CarObsessionThanks for the reply. Seems like they've missed a trick then re tyre type. As an aside would you say that the ride and seating in the Focus Active is hard, firm or compliant? I also heard that only the Active X has IRS/Multi Link rear suspension, when I thought that the whole Active range did? Many thanks, please keep up the good work.

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

I forgot to answer your query regarding the Outlander - I've not driven one, so I can't compare, sorry.

@pankajnaik2708 5 жыл бұрын

Great review . How much is actual fuel economy for this and hatchback version ?

@philipwilliams4656 5 жыл бұрын

Pankaj Naik - My average is 48mpg after 700 miles, mixed motorway and commuting on ‘A’ roads

@Nikos1978BC 5 жыл бұрын

i took the 1.5 diesel active for a test drive and i must say i was a bit disappointed from the way the engine pulled. Of course it is not a sports car but still not in the sweet spot for my taste. I assume the 1.5 turbo petrol in the review is much better but i wanted a diesel for the mileage i am doing. Other than that the good things are as very well explained in the review, space , materials use d in the cabin and overall driving feel were very good. in case one can afford it i would suggest going for the 2.0 diesel or 1.5 turbo petrol..

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Nikos1978BC, thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback 👍

@gerrywhelan7426 4 жыл бұрын

Good review. No rear seat armrest & cup holders, which kids love, is stupid. Most car reviewers don't pay enough attention to rear passengers comfort.

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

Hello Gerry, thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching.

@gerrywhelan7426 4 жыл бұрын

Doesn’t address the question.

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

@@gerrywhelan7426 Hi Gerry, that's because you didn't ask a question. Your comment sounded more like a statement, and featured no question marks, so apologies if I've missed something. What was the question you had?

@pkalles 5 жыл бұрын

Great review. Could use a little bit more about the infotainment system, speakers, dash and stuff like that. Though great still.

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Hello pkalle, thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching. This video was longer than I planned as it is, and I had to cut a fair few bits out, so that's why those kind of things aren't included. I did, however, film a separate video with the infotainment system, which may be of use to you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ftOma5l7tLbSqo0.html I didn't speak about the speakers as it's difficult to convey on a KZfaq video how good (or bad) a sound system can be.

@philipwilliams4656 5 жыл бұрын

pkalle , infotainment is greatly enhanced if You opt for the B&O sound system.. Ialso like the sat nav... after using Audi sat nav for the last 2yrs.. anything is better.... well pleased with the Sync3 system..

@johnmorgan1629 5 жыл бұрын

I would consider one of these, think they look quite nice, the higher than normal seat of the ground is a positive for me. The only problem is, it is a Ford, no I have nothing against the company itself, it is that in my area there is only one local dealer franchise, who have been absolutely useless when I previously had a Ford, so due to needing a car to get about, because I am disabled if there was to be a problem with it, there is no trust with the Ford garage. Another good review as well Aaron, though I suspect someone wants the Type-R back for a while just to make sure they liked it.

@SuperTheLycan 3 жыл бұрын

Great review! Can you use Waze and Radio FM in split screen?

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Cosmin, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment. I'm honestly not sure as it's not something I needed to do whilst I had the car.

@platipus1983 4 жыл бұрын

How about fitting two child seats in the back? Is there any space left for an adult? Also is there any difference in backseat leg room space compared to the hatch version? Very nice review by the way!

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

Hi there, thanks for watching. I didn't fit child seats in the rear whilst I had the car. Legroom is the same as the hatchback to my knowledge.

@williepalma4807 4 жыл бұрын

It is time to create Focus SUV 2020..The Monster .♥️🤗💫

@spursman3998 5 жыл бұрын

Nice one!

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy, thanks for watching!

@michelgarcia7144 4 жыл бұрын

You convinced me ! It's my kinda car and It's my next car ...next year.

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Michel, great to hear it, thanks for watching.

@michelgarcia7144 4 жыл бұрын

@@CarObsession I'm an retired french man living in Spain. I love your channel. Keep going like that.

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

@@michelgarcia7144 Thanks Michel!

@mortenjensen2269 4 жыл бұрын

Great review

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Morten! Thanks for watching.

@rijden-nu 3 жыл бұрын

I just ordered one of these (well, the hatchback version, with normal roof, and Panther Blue, but other than that mostly the same). You complain about a missing back armrest/ski hatch. But as far as I can tell, the Active X has that as a default. What am I missing?

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Not too sure what to say pal, maybe the specification has changed? Thanks for watching 👍🏽.

@vangard3415 5 жыл бұрын

I hope it's more reliable than there last effort

@Eray2007 3 жыл бұрын

Spelling+

@JMH2022 Жыл бұрын

Realistically does this feel that higher up than a standard Focus? Does 30mm make that much of a difference?

@CarObsession Жыл бұрын

Hi Jake, thanks for watching. I can't really comment as I drove this car a long time ago, but from memory, there wasn't much of a difference, no.

@rijden-nu 3 жыл бұрын

Last comment: @12:40 what are these preferences that all you car reviewers seem to share for large door bins?! I don't get it. Tight doorbins are fantastic! Why would you trade in leg room for wide door bins, which reduces comfort and makes legs of people with wide hips or big bellies press against a ridge the whole time? Who carries anything else in there except for maybe a pack of sweets, a small water bottle and a notepad? It's not like anyone is putting their groceries in there.

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Some people like large doorbins pal.

@rijden-nu 3 жыл бұрын

@@CarObsession Well obviously... Apparently most people do, given how many brands choose to do that. My discussion topic is: why trade in precious leg room for mostly unused doorbins?

@Zero_Ninety 5 жыл бұрын

"The lifestyle crowd?" What the hell does that even mean? What lifestyle? Driving the kids to school and then going to Sainsburys?

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

Nah, that's not what I mean. What I mean is how you see those SUV adverts where people are doing activities such as rock climbing, or sledging down a volcano (Nissan X Trail advert) when let's face it, the cars won't be used for that sorta thing in the real world. The whole SUV image thing sorta gets on my nerves as people don't really use 'em for such outlandish activities. They're used for the school and then going to the supermarket, like you said. The whole marketing thing is just a load of cobblers, which kinda annoys me. Thanks for watching.

@Zero_Ninety 5 жыл бұрын

@@CarObsession I didn't mean my comment as an attack on you but rather an attack on the way the way SUV's get marketed, which as you say is nonsense.

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

@@Zero_Ninety Hello pal, I know it wasnt an attack, so it's all cool buddy 😎. Yes, the way how most SUVs are advertised is grating because how often will they get used like that?! At least VW had the right idea by advertising the Tiguan (I think it was the Tiguan) actually doing the school run, as opposed to watching the owner windsurf, whilst on fire, juggling knives and screaming "SUV life, yo!!!" before climbing back in to said SUV 😂😂😂😂😂

@harrybellis 3 жыл бұрын

St line x estate or active x vigilan estate?

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Harry, thanks for watching, and thanks for the question. In all honesty, I still think the Vignale range is a bit gimmicky, so I'd go for the ST-Line.

@christopherdonegan1631 3 жыл бұрын

Does it come with cruise control?

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

It does, thanks for watching 👍🏽.

@henriklarsson5518 4 жыл бұрын

I thought he was drunk as a sailor. Turned out my playback speed was 0.75, for some reaon.

@CarObsession 4 жыл бұрын

🤣 Don't drive and drive kids!

@zubkat5196 3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@axelarkin644 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent car

@CarObsession 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

@madant7777 5 жыл бұрын

Nah, I like my orange Ateca Xcellence better :-)

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

The Ateca is indeed a very good car, thanks for watching.

@henjoh69 5 жыл бұрын

It doesn't have AWD so no for me You should rather go for the V60 Cross Country

@CarObsession 5 жыл бұрын

True, but the V60 will cost more money. Thanks for watching.

@henjoh69 5 жыл бұрын

And that's why i would work much Harder for one

@lisalovesnature 3 жыл бұрын

@@henjoh69 if you don't mind 3 recalls in 1 year and a new cambelt at 40k miles then volvo great!

@henjoh69 3 жыл бұрын

listhestar With the Ford, yeah

@lisalovesnature 3 жыл бұрын

@@henjoh69 nah my volvo v60 cross country

@purpleturkey1792 Жыл бұрын

Have you actually played this tape for yourself ... ? Oh it's crap isn't it ... full of bull 5hit, loads of room in the back of that thing. That's a big space .... 😋😋☺☺

@CarObsession Жыл бұрын

Yes, I have. Thank you for watching 👍🏽